YMCA skipper Albert van der Merwe is hoping YMCA can shake off missing players to progress in the Irish Senior Cup.

The Claremont Road side are without a host of top players ahead of their crucnch encounter with North County on Sunday.

"We've a few boys missing over the weekend. It's a pity that the showcase competition has fixtures on at the same time as international fixtures as you would always like to play strength versus strength.

"North County as ourselves will be missing John Mooney and Trent Johnston. We also miss Jeremy Bray who is away with the Irish ladies.

"Irish Under 19 player Lee Cole is away in Poland with hockey and probably the find of our summer, young wicketkeeper JJ Cassidy is away on holiday. But that gives us a chance to look at another very promising young wicketkeeper/batsman in Sam Murphy.

"We pride ourselves on our youth system and this gives another young player the opportunity to step up into the senior ranks. We have played eight players under the age of 18 across the various competitions so far this year, something we are very happy with.

"We have played the biggest part of the summer without key players and the whole squad has responded excellently. Reinhardt Strydom has recovered well from his finger injury and will be back in the ranks come sunday.

"North County is the most successful team in this competition and have played well in recent weeks. We are looking forward to Sunday and hopefully can progress deeper in this competition."