Ireland have named a 15-player women's squad for their T20I series against Scotland at Stormont this month, their first international fixtures since the T20 World Cup qualifier in September 2019. Laura Delany will captain the side.

The tour has been postponed twice already, after plans to stage it in Spain - first in November, then in March - were abandoned at short notice due to Covid-related concerns and travel restrictions.

Ireland are without a handful of regular players, including the centrally-contracted Mary Waldron, and five players on non-retainer deals in Eimar Richardson, Hannah Little, Louise Little, Una Raymond-Hoey and Sophie MacMahon.

Five players - Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Jane Maguire and Jenny Sparrow - would be making their T20I debuts if selected. All have been involved in the ongoing Arachas Super Series - the domestic competition - over the past few weeks.

Carrie Archer, the chair of selectors, said: "With an average age of less than 21, it is one of the youngest squads we have ever selected, but one full of talent and potential. With a big year ahead, it is vital that these players get as much competitive cricket as they can, and I have no doubt they will require little additional motivation to perform in this long-awaited return to the international arena.

"With a number of players still overseas and unavailable, there is an opportunity now for several emerging players to make their mark ahead of the World Cup Qualifier tournaments later in the year."

Ed Joyce, the head coach, said: "It's great to see players being rewarded for their performances in the Super Series - it goes to show all players that there is a defined pathway to international cricket and that performances are being recognised with higher honours."

Scotland have already named their squad for the tour, which will be captained by Kathryn Bryce. The series starts on May 23, with four T20Is due to be played in five days, all at Stormont in Belfast. May 25 is a reserve day for the first two fixtures.

Ireland squad: Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Jenny Sparrow, Rebecca Stokell