Ireland go into their World Cup qualifying campaign with two changes from the Tri-Nations series squad that was victorious in UAE.

Andy McBrine and James Shannon are both recalled for the 24-day tournament which kicks off in Zimbabwe on March 1.

Off-spinning all-rounder McBrine comes in for leg-spinner Jacob Mulder who had some words of comfort from new coach Graham Ford.

“Jacob is a very exciting prospect for the future, he’s going to be a real match winner. But he’s still a work in progress - his talent is great but it’s a tough skill to master.

“But we need bowlers who will deliver ten overs for us and we don’t think he’s there just yet.”

McBrine has won 55 caps and impressed on his recall for the Dubai tournament earlier this month, having fallen out of favour for all of the 2017 summer.

James Shannon has only played one ODI for Ireland, in 2013, and has only played once in the 100 games in all formats since.

His recall comes after a magnificent interprovincial season for Northern Knights in three-day and T20 formats, and comes about because of the unavailability of Stuart Poynter.

The Durham keeper/batsman is due to become a father for the first time during the tournament and opted not to travel.

Otherwise Ireland are at full strength for the tournament in which they have been drawn in a group alongside West Indies and Netherlands.

With Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Scotland also competing for the two spots in The 2019 World Cup, Ford's men will gave their work cut out.

The shirt Ireland will wear in their inaugural Test in May was also unveiled yesterday in Malahide Castle, just a Kevin O’Brien six-hit from the venue for that game against Pakistan.

Coach Ford was in no doubt that this would be the pinnacle for his players. “One day and T20 are great fun, but Test cricket is what it’s all about for players, being able to match themselves against the best.”

Several members of the squad were in attendance, goose pimples showing on a day when three sweaters were more in order than a short-sleeved shirt.

“It’s excellent,” said George Dockrell, marveling at the golden embroidered legend “Ireland v Pakistan, inaugural test, Malahide. May 11-15 2017.”

But before then is a short tour to South Africa and those vital qualifiers.

“I’ve been impressed by the guys and by their attitude,” said Ford, who took over in December.

“But I’ve told them we’ll need to up our game even more and work hard to get there.”