Ireland Under 19 coach Brian O' Rourke has advocated a return to Interprovincial cricket, following   a mixed display by the Ireland team at the Under World Cup in Malaysia.

O' Rourke is concerned about the fact that most of his squad will go back to playing relatively undemanding club cricket, which is no preparation for international cricket.

"Our guys have got be playing a higher standard of cricket. I'd like to see more tours during the summer months, be that at provincial or international level. That's what we've got to invest in - we have seven of this squad who will still be eligible in  two years time for the next one in Kenya. They've got to be playing a higher level of cricket more often."

"The gaps between ourselves and the leading Test nations is widening. I'd warned them before coming out about what we were likely to encounter with England and Bangladesh. The Test nations have started to pump more money and resources into their youth set-ups, and they are getting stronger and stronger. We've got to be careful we don't lose touch with them."

O' Rourke is very conscious of the need to keep this squad involved, "It's something I've said to everyone at the end of the game yesterday. There's a danger they could fall into a hole and get lost in the system. Unless they get to the next level, and get involved in Senior or 'A' internationals, there's a danger they'll disappear. They go back into league cricket playing on poor facilities against poor opposition. I see it every World Cup, where we lose players for ever, as they become disillusioned at not breaking into the international game. They have got to dominate at club level on their return. It's no good coming here and doing well if they don't kick on."

"I've always been a big fan of Interprovincial cricket from my days with South Leinster. It's a great stepping-stone for players who quite aren't at international standard yet. It's a perfect avenue for them to showcase their abilities and get recognised by selectors and coaches."

"I'll be including these recommendations in my report of the tour, and hopefully we'll be able to learn from our experiences in Malaysia."