The Ireland captain chose the launch of his new book* to banish the rumours that he was considering stepping down from the international set-up and that can only be good for Ireland's prospects of following up their unforgettable World Cup debut in the West Indies with a second successive finals appearance in four years time.

And Johnston is keen to get his Aussie mate Jeremy Bray back in the fold as well, although for rather more selfish reasons.

"If JB returns then, being five months older than me, I'll no longer be the old man of the team," joked Johnston, "But Jeremy wanted back in the team at the end of last season and, undoubtedly, he can still do a job at the top of the order. As for me, form and fitness permitting, I'll give it a go and at the moment I'd love to be part of 2011."

Johnston will be 34 years old when the 2008 season starts but after playing 27 matches this year, taking 35 wickets and scoring 484 runs, both at an average of 26, there is no reason for Johnston to quit and, with him at the helm, it should persuade the rest of the World Cup squad to stay together for at least another 18 months.

It was a World Cup hero from another sport, Ireland rugby player Gordon D'Arcy who took time out to launch Raiders of the Caribbean last night, the book co-written by Johnston and Sunday Tribune assistant editor Ger Siggins,

It faithfully recalls those seven glorious weeks in four islands plus the mainland of South America when Ireland took on and competed with the world's best.

The 58,000 words were written within 58 days of their return so all the vital action on and off the field are recorded with plenty of input from the fans left at home and those having the holiday of their lives in the West Indies.

Raiders of the Caribbean by Trent Johnston and Ger Siggins (published by O'Brien Press) £10.99.