2010 has started brightly for 51 year old Scottish umpire Ian Ramage, who will be officiating in the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand later this month.

Ramage received confirmation from ICC of his appointment, along with his fellow European colleagues Paul Baldwin and Niels Bagh.

Ramage said of his selection: "I am delighted to be going, the ICC consider the U19 World Cup one of the top events for Associate and Affiliate Panel umpires so I'm grateful to get this opportunity."

"I will be trying to represent Scottish cricket in the best way possible and it's great that all three European umpires have been selected. I'm also looking forward to umpiring in New Zealand for the first time and I'm doing all I can to prepare during my off-season for such an important event."

Paul Baldwin has been named as one of the on field umpires for the South Africa versus Ireland game, while Niels Bagh takes charge of the highly attractive Pakistan versus West Indies tie on the opening day.