Simmons impressed by Irish desire

By Martin Gough

Simmons talks things over with Ireland skipper Trent Johnston

Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons says Ireland could teach the World Cup hosts a lesson in motivation.

Simmons, who takes over as Ireland coach after the World Cup, watched West Indies' loss to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

"There's more zip and enthusiasm from Ireland, who have nothing to lose than from [West Indies], who have a lot to lose," he told BBC Sport.

"If you play in the World Cup in your home country, I don't see more motivation than that."

Simmons, who played in 143 one-day internationals before retiring in 1999, is the uncle of West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons.

His criticism of West Indies centred on their display in the field at Guyana National Stadium, when they allowed Sri Lanka to post 303-5 in a 113-run loss.

Captain Brian Lara blamed a heavy schedule of matches at the start of the Super 8 stage

But Simmons said: "It's going to be hard, and after two games in three days they would have been tired, but sometimes you play back-to-back one-dayers and come out on top.

"You can't go from being like that in the field, then bat and chase 300. It doesn't happen.

"In the morning you could see the enthusiasm wasn't there, their body language was terrible. It was sad to see in a game they knew they must win."

Simmons batting for West Indies during his playing career

Simmons, who has been assisting current Ireland coach Adrian Birrell for much of the World Cup, will lead the side at least until the 2009 qualifying tournament.

"With the passion they play the game with, they're going to fight against everybody, whether they're Australia or Bangladesh," he continued.

"They use their talents as best they can. They're not all as talented as the other teams but we've seen that they don't give up and that's a trait I love."

Simmons, who coached Zimbabwe in 2004-05, said the strength in depth in Ireland, who are current Under-19 and Under-17 European champions, convinced him to take the job.

But he admits it will be tough to follow inspirational South African Birrell, who has played a key role in Ireland's recent march to the world stage.

"I have huge shoes to fill. He's done a lot for them but the guys have been educated in a certain way and we can add to that and move on.

"He doesn't take indiscipline. When they practice they practice hard. He gives them a lot of downtime. It's nice to see I don't have to change too many things.

"I can just add things that I have been through from international cricket and coaching Zimbabwe."

After the Super 8, Ireland have just nine days off before their first match in English county cricket's one-day competition.

That will be doubly difficult because they will lose star players who have county contracts, including keeper Niall O'Brien, batsman Eoin Morgan and bowler Boyd Rankin.

The competition allows them to sign an overseas player, though, and BBC Sport understands they are hoping to sign a member of South Africa's World Cup squad.

"The experience of this [World Cup] should take them far in the Friends Provident Trophy. I hope they get enough rest,¿ said Simmons.

"We're going to lose a few players but it will be nice to see what other players are made of."