Joyce rejoices at Ireland's achievements

GROS ISLET: England opener Ed Joyce is thrilled that his former Ireland team mates have a chance of making the World Cup Super Eights after their shock win over Pakistan on Saturday.   

The Dublin-born 28 year-old played for Ireland in the ICC Trophy for minor cricket nations between 2001 and 2005 and his performances were instrumental in helping Ireland qualify for this tournament.   

However, the left-hander switched to England in 2006 in the hope of playing in Tests and more one-day series. Ironically his first one-day cap was against Ireland in June last year.   

"It was brilliant. My big hope for Ireland coming into this tournament was that they would do themselves justice," he told reporters on Tuesday.   

Joyce, who scored 66 in Sunday's Group C win over Canada, said the England team were ready to move on after six players and two coaches were fined for a drinking session after Friday's defeat by New Zealand. Andrew Flintoff was also stripped of the vice-captaincy and left out of the Canada game.   

"It's been a difficult two days or so and today is our first practice since the events and we're just looking to get back into cricket now," he said.   

England must win their final group game with Kenya on Saturday to qualify for the Super Eights, where they could face Ireland in their first match in Guyana on March 30.