By Cathal Dervan

IRELAND are up to tenth place in cricket’s world rankings after their heroics in the Caribbean, the highest rating ever for an associate nation on the list.

The historic wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh at the World Cup have propelled the Irish up the list and secured official one day status for the team as well.

Now Ireland turn their attentions to the Prudential Trophy when Kent visit Belfast on Sunday, with captain Trent Johnston adamant that they can be proud of their performances in the World Cup.

The tournament ended with an eight wicket defeat to Sri Lanka last Friday but the skipper insisted, “I hope we will not be judged on this result because we’ve done well and we’ve got some good cricketers.

“We came out here to achieve that, putting Ireland on the map not only to people around the world but to people in our own back yard. We can reflect now on a great seven weeks.”

Departing coach Adrian Birrell flew home with the Irish team on Tuesday, his final act in charge, and Johnston was quick to thank him for his efforts.

“I’d like to thank, from all the boys, Adrian Birrell who finishes as our coach now,” he added. “It was not the sendoff we’d have liked to give him but he’s been great and we’d like to thank him very much.”

Johnston has also scotched rumors that is on the brink of retirement. Writing in the Sunday Independent he said, “I don’t know where these stories have come from, but I’ve no intentions of calling it a day. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been, and am looking forward to captaining Ireland in the Friends Provident Trophy next week.

“We’re now ranked in the top 10 sides in the world, and I’d like to see us climb even further up the ladder. We’ve some exciting fixtures lined up over the coming months.”

Ireland all-rounder Paul Mooney has announced his retirement from both international and representative cricket.