Bready paceman Boyd Rankin goes into Sunday's crucial World Cup Qualifying clash with European rivals The Netherlands in high spirits after his five-wicket haul and late heroics with the bat saw Ireland edge out Scotland in a last-gasp thriller.

Although the match won't count in the record books as it was an uncapped match - the Scots played 13 - Rankin's best figures in an Irish shirt of 5 for 38 gives the 'Bready Bullet' great confidence ahead of the opener in Harare.

"I’m just trying to continue doing what I’m doing. I don’t think I’ve changed much, just feel in pretty good rhythm and managing to pick up a few wickets," said Rankin.

The 33 year-old has operated as a change bowler in recent clashes, but it's a role he's both happy and familiar with.

"I’m pretty happy to bowl at any stage of the game. Barry McCarthy and Tim Murtagh both swing the ball so I think it’s a good move for them to make use of the new ball. I’m pretty used to bowling first change with my county Warwickshire and it’s my job to try and pick up wickets in the middle overs so I’m happy to do whatever is best for the team."

In that morale boosting win against Scotland, Rankin showed it's not just his bowling skills that are rejuvenated, but he also displayed his batting prowess, striking consecutive boundaries from the first two balls he faced to set up the last ball win.

It's perhaps no surprise to his NW colleagues at Bready, where the giant left-hander once struck five sixes in an over in a Premier league match against Fox Lodge.

"I just wanted to be positive when I was batting and if it was there to hit to play strong shots. I'm happy I managed to get a few runs and get over the line."

The competitive nature of the qualifiers means that few, if indeed any slip ups can be afforded, making Sunday's D-day clash with the Dutch a vital game for both camps.

Rankin accepts it won't be easy against a side brimming with overseas talent, including the South African duo of Ryan ten Doeschate and Roelof van der Merwe.

"It's certainly a tough game up first against Holland so it's imperative to start well. All the games are big games so we need to give it our all and hopefully we can continue our form in one-day cricket over the last few months in the tournament."