O'Brien unfazed by favourites tag
Monday, 12 March 2007Wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien has vowed Ireland will go all out to record a historic World Cup victory over Zimbabwe when the sides meet at Sabina Park on Thursday.
O'Brien is one of Ireland's brightest hopes in the tournament and although some notable former Test stars - including Michael Holding and Mike Atherton - have questioned the participation of ICC associate nations, O'Brien insists that victory is the only thing on their minds.
O'Brien said: 'We'll probably be favourites to beat Zimbabwe. That game is there for the taking. If we bat first we've got to get a competitive score. If we bowl first we're confident we can chase anything down.'
The gloveman, who has deputised for England's Geraint Jones at Kent in the past and recently signed a deal with Northamptonshire for the 2007 season, also admitted he would not rule out playing for England in the future.
Ed Joyce, expected to open for England ahead of Andrew Strauss in the competition following his maiden century in the Commonwealth Bank Series against Australia, joined the England ranks after helping Ireland qualify for the World Cup and O'Brien is eyeing a similar move.
