DUBLIN, Aug 26: Ireland have called-up former England seamer Mike Hendrick to assist in their preparations for the 2007 World Cup. Hendrick, who is currently employed by Derbyshire as a bowling coach, has been coach to the Irish team in the past but his brief this time round will be to work with the Irish attack ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean in March and April.

Irish manager Roy Torrens said: “Mike has the benefit of having an unique insight into both the players and the Irish set-up, having coached Ireland for a number of years, and he has also attended training sessions as recently as this spring.”

The 57-year-old Hendrick played 30 Tests for England, taking 87 wickets at 25.83, and also claimed 35 wickets in 22 one-dayers.—AFP