Preparations are now well under way for the Ireland under-19 squad's departure to the World Cup this weekend with five North West-based teenagers joining up with the rest of the party heading for Bangladesh.

Donemana twins Gary and William McClintock as well as Bready's Andrew Austin and Varun Chopra of Coleraine will all hope to play a major role in Ireland's campaign, as will Strabane's Aaron Gillespie.

The Red Caps' all-rounder enjoyed a solid domestic campaign for his club in last year's Premier Division and topped the season off by picking up the Young Player of the Year award at the Cricket Ireland awards in November. Speaking to Cricketeurope ahead of this week's final training sessions the 18-year old said the entire squad was looking forward to making their mark on the competition.

“Being given this opportunity to represent our country at a World Cup is a massive boost for the whole squad. Losing out narrowly in the two Qualifiers (Jersey and Malaysia) was really frustrating but we now have the chance to perform at the biggest tournament of all and we will be ready for the challenge”.

“We are looking forward to the trip and the fact that we will be competing against the best under-19 teams in the world”.

“The players owe a lot of thanks to our parents and coaches who have worked hard to ensure that we are well prepared. I think it is also imperative that we thank the ICC for inviting us to participate and to Cricket Ireland for accepting the offer and for continually supporting us throughout”.

“We are determined to do everything we can to do them proud”.