Simmons gives Ireland inside track on Zimbabwe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mar 15 (Reuters) Ireland's chances of upsetting Zimbabwe in today's Group D World Cup clash at Sabina Park have been boosted by a man with inside knowledge of the rival camp.

Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons was the previous coach of the Zimbabwe team and last month signed a two-year contract to take over the Irish team after the World Cup.

Although South African Adrian Birrell, who quit his post, remains head coach for the remainder of the tournament, the 43-year-old Simmons has been giving vital input on his former charges.

''Phil is in our camp now so we're going to have a pretty good game-plan against their players,'' Ireland captain Trent Johnston told reporters yesterday before their World Cup debut.

''He's been excellent. He will have a big input in our team meeting.

''It's now all about the guys getting out on the park and executing those plans like we have done in the two warm-up games,'' Johnston added.

Birrell played down the Zimbabweans' statements on the eve of the match that Ireland were favourites.

INEXPERIENCED TEAM It was, he suggested, a ploy by Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran to deflect the pressure away from his young and inexperienced team and on to the Irish.

''I'm a bit surprised by that because they are a Test country and we are the underdogs, being an associate (cricket team),'' Birrell said. ''We don't play in the same leagues.

''They have played a lot stronger opposition than us over a long period of time. We're just focusing on the processes and not worrying about who is underdog.'' Australian-born Johnston believes victory against Zimbabwe will give them renewed confidence to attempt a shock win against the other teams in the group, Pakistan and West Indies.

The best Irish player in the tournament though, is no longer available since batsman Ed Joyce is now qualified for England and is in their squad in the Caribbean. Birrell is not too disappointed, though.

''We're delighted for him to have done so well in his professional cricket career,'' Birrell said. ''He earns a living playing the game at the highest level.

''It's a great credit to Irish cricket that we have a player good enough to represent England in the World Cup and possibly opening the batting.

''He's a role model for our young players to aspire to and to live up to down the line.

''Hopefully, as we play at a higher level we might not lose the Ed Joyces, and instead they will see their future with Ireland.'' Reuters DH VP0513