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Page last updated at 09:10 GMT, Thursday, 30 July 2009 10:10 UK

Ireland drop seam bowler Connell

Ireland bowler Peter Connell
Connell starred in the FP Trophy win over Worcestershire in May

Ireland have dropped fast bowler Peter Connell for next month's Intercontinental Cup clash against Scotland in Aberdeen.

Coach Phil Simmons justified his decision to draft in 17-year-old seamer Shane Getkate by saying that Connell's "attitude has dropped".

"I need to see that he's back to where he was at towards the beginning of last year," added Simmons.

Teenage star Getkate is currently on Warwickshire's books.

"I've watched quite a bit of our young seam bowling talent over the past month at both the Under 19 and 17 European Championships and he's (Getkate) the one who has impressed me most," added Simmons.

"His fitness, strength and pace has improved, and it's a great opportunity for him to see what's there for him."

Simmons acknowledged that Connell had been handed a "wake-up call" after being left out of the 17-20 August fixture.

I want people to realise just how nice it is to be involved with this squad and not take it for granted

Phil Simmons

"It's that for now. Sometimes when people don't play, their focus and attitude can drop.

"I know it can be difficult, but people have got to be strong and show the right determination to prove to me they should be included.

"I want people to realise just how nice it is to be involved with this squad and not take it for granted."

Simmons said that Connell was "obviously disappointed" to be left out.

"He's asked me what he needs to do to get back into the fold, and that he's going to work doubly hard to get back into contention.

"That's exactly what a coach wants to hear.

"I didn't think he bowled well in the ICup match with Kenya at Eglinton, so we're examining other options.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons has been unhappy with Connell's attitude

"He's going to play in the 'A' team at Lord's against MCC, so that's where he'll start the process of getting back into the team.

"Indeed, for all the seamers, I want to see who wants it the most.

"Who is prepared to put in the hard work and push for a place in the squad.

"In the next 18 months or so we have a World Cup coming up, and I want people to prove to me they should be included."

Simmons added that Getkate has has the potential to become an Ireland regular, although he added that the youngster has yet to make the "most of his batting talent".

"That's something we'll look to correct. He has the main attributes that you need to bowl at the top level."

Ireland will once again be captained by Kyle McCallan, with county players William Porterfield, Niall O'Brien and Boyd Rankin unavailable for the tie.


Ireland squad: Kyle McCallan (capt) (Waringstown), Andre Botha (North County), Jeremy Bray (The Hills), Andrew Britton (Fox Lodge), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), Shane Getkate (Malahide), Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Paul Stirling (Carrickfergus), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Regan West (CSN), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).



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see also
Irish and Kenya draw in Cup clash
06 Jul 09 |  Cricket
Connell haul sinks Worcestershire
20 May 09 |  Counties


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