Ireland hopes of claiming a third successive InterContinental Cup win were dealt a blow by the news that Boyd Rankin won't be playing in their game against the UAE next month.

The opening bowler, who joined Warwickshire on a 3 year deal at the end of last season, suffered a stress fracture in his foot just before Christmas, and neither Ireland or his county want to risk him by bringing him back too prematurely.

Rankin said, "The injury has healed, and I have started back doing bowling drills with Allan Donald, adjusting a few things in my action just this week. It was decided between everyone that it would be too soon to be back bowling at full fitness for the ICup match and the 3 ODI's in Bangladesh. I'm concerned that if I come back too soon it might not be fully recovered and I could break down again."

There was some good news though for Ireland coach Phil Simmons, as Dave Langford-Smith has made himself available and replaces Rankin in the squad.

He had initially ruled himself out of contention for the first half of the year due to work commitments, but has had a change of heart and is now available.

Simmons explained, "Dave Langford-Smith's work is going better than he anticipated, and thankfully he is able to get the necessary time off. Hopefully with Allan Donald working on remodelling Boyd's action, we'll get a fitter and more confident fast bowler."

Ireland take on the UAE in Abu Dhabi from March 6-9, and play 3 ODI's in Bangaldesh on March 18, 20 and 22.