Joyce played one-day internationals for England

Former England batsman Ed Joyce expects to find out in the next two weeks whether he can play for his native Ireland in the 2011 World Cup.

Joyce is not eligible for Ireland until April, a full four years after playing for England in the last World Cup.

But the Irish have asked for special dispensation for him in the World Cup which starts in February.

"I am hopeful it will happen but I have not been given any indication how it will go," said the Sussex batsman.

"The impression I got when we started this process with Cricket Ireland was that there were a few people on side and that it was looking fairly likely.

"But I have not heard anything and the decision is expected in the next couple of weeks.

"It is out of my hands but I am hopeful it will happen."

Joyce last played for Ireland in 2005 and during his spell with England hit 107 in a one-day international during the tour to Australia.

That helped earn him selection for England's squad for that year's World Cup.

Ireland are also hoping to get similar dispensation from the International Cricket Council to have former New Zealand Test player Hamish Marshall cleared to play in the 2011 World Cup in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

Marshall and Joyce have been named in Ireland's squad for their tour to India in November.

They will play four matches against invitational sides.

In an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound programme, Joyce admitted he regretted not getting a longer stint with England.

"Whether I got a fair crack of the whip is for somebody else to say," said Joyce.

"I got a run in the one-day team but I felt I was more of a longer game player.

"I played 16 or 17 games for England. I had some good games and a few bad ones.

"I probably did not do myself full justice. I would have liked some more games to get settled in the side."

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