By Elizabeth Hudson

Littler is hoping to add to his international try tally on Friday

Ireland rugby league captain Stuart Littler hopes their qualification bid to reach the World Cup will help promote the game in the country.

Ireland meet Lebanon in a qualifer in Dewsbury on Friday with the winner securing a place at the finals.

"If we qualify it'll raise the profile of rugby league hugely in Ireland," the Salford centre told BBC Sport.

"We've seen what the success of the Irish cricket team at the World Cup earlier this year did for them."

This could be the last chance that a lot of the players have to play at a major tournament Stuart Little

Ireland drew 18-18 with Lebanon when the sides met in Dublin last year with Littler helping to rescue a point with an injury-time try.

The newly-appointed skipper also scored a hat-trick of tries in the recent 58-18 win over Russia to set up the meeting with Lebanon, who can call on a number of Australia-based players.

"This is the closest-knit squad I've been involved in since I came into the Irish set-up," said Littler.

"We spent five days together in Ireland before the Russia game and that really helped to build up the camaraderie.

"It has been one of the greatest honours of my career to be named as captain and to score three tries against Russia last week but none of that would compare to winning on Friday and reaching the World Cup finals."

If Ireland lose they will enter the repechage, where they would play the losers of the game between Scotland and Wales on 10 November and four days later the winners of the match between USA v Samoa.

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Friday's game is being staged in Dewsbury due to the volatile political situation in the Lebanon.

"We didn't play well against Lebanon last time and got out of jail a bit then so we're well aware of what they can do," added Littler, who qualifies for the team through his maternal grandmother.

"But we want to win to make sure of our place on Friday. We know if we lose we'll have another chance through the repechage but to do it that way will be tough.

"Having the game at Dewsbury, although it's a neutral ground, certainly suits us with Andy Kelly coaching there and Liam Finn playing there.

"Most of us have played there at some point and we're used to the conditions.

"If the next World Cup isn't for another eight years, this could be the last chance that a lot of the players have to play at a major tournament."

Irish coach Andy Kelly welcomes back Warrington half-back Chris Bridge to the squad after injury, while Wigan prop Paul Prescott and Widnes veteran Mick Cassidy are also included.

Ireland (from): Scott Grix (Widnes), Damien Blanch (Widnes), Stuart Littler (Salford), Sean Gleeson (Wakefield), Chris Bridge (Warrington), Paul Handforth (Featherstone), Liam Finn (Dewsbury), Eamon O'Carroll (Wigan), Paul Prescott (Wigan), Mick Cassidy (Widnes), Bob Beswick (Widnes), Dave Buckley (York City Knights), Lee Doran (Widnes), Ged Corcoran (Sheffield), Tony Stewart (Leigh).Steve Gibbons (Carlow Crusaders), Wayne Kerr (Carlow Crusaders), Clive Gee (Portlaoise Panthers), Billy Treacy (Treaty City Titans), Brian Rushe (Tullamore).