World Cup skipper Trent Johnston and Alex Cusack were the big winners as Cricket Ireland announced that the two all-rounders will be the first recipients of full-time international contracts.

If you include the five players contracted to English county sides, it means coach Phil Simmons will have seven full-time players in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in South Africa, where Ireland must finish in the top four to book a place in the 2011 finals.

The 15-strong squad head for South Africa today to start their build-up to the tournament and Johnston added further good news as he stated his belief that he will be still playing if Ireland qualify.

'It's good that we've got to this stage, it's a great step for Irish cricket. I knew that if I could get a contract that 2011 was very achievable for me on the playing side of things,' admitted Johnston yesterday.

'I have been working hard in the gym over the last few months and I know I'm physically as strong as I've ever been coming into a season. I had the elbow operation which was a success, so there's nothing stopping me going forward. What will I be, 37 in 2011, Glenn McGrath was 37 when he finished,' he added with a smile.

Simmons was in upbeat mood as the squad gathered at the headquarters of team sponsors RSA yesterday on the eve of departure and is looking forward to getting outdoors when his squad touch down in Johannesburg.

'The squad looks in very good shape, we'll have a two-week training camp as it's important to get outdoors practice and matches at the high altitude. We'll prepare well and won't underestimate anybody during what's the important event on our calendar this year,' said Simmons.

Ireland will play two warm-up games against regional sides from South Africa and a game against United Arab Emirates before their qualifying campaign gets underway with a game against Scotland in Benoni on April 1st.