Cricket: Johnston: I'm so desperate to play the hosts; Irish through to Super 8s IRISH MOURN LOSS OF KERR.

INSPIRATIONAL captain Trent Johnston is a major doubt for Ireland's final Group D match against hosts the West Indies in Jamaica tomorrow.

On what turned out to be another rollercoaster day for the squad, following news of the tragic death of former Irish Cricket Union president and chairman Bob Kerr, the brilliant Aussie was far from hopeful of playing any part in the Sabina Park action.

Johnston, who hit the winning runs in Ireland's memorable shock win over Pakistan last Saturday, played through the pain barrier in that game and the tied clash with Zimbabwe two days earlier.

His shoulder, which 'popped out' for the first time back in October 2005 is giving him major problems again.

He said: "I'm desperate to play because this is a huge game because it is the West Indies in their own back yard.

"I will do all I can to play and I'm still hopeful, although it's 50/50 at the moment."

Following so close after the news of Bob Woolmer's death on Sunday, the World Cup and, in particular the Irish camp, suffered a huge blow with the news of Bob Kerr's death.

Kerr was staying at the Jamaica Sunset Grand Hotel in the Oche Rios resort on the north coast of the island when he died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The 68-year-old was following Ireland's fortunes in World Cup and his passing is a further tragic turn of events in Jamaica.

Kerr was a retired headmaster, and played all his cricket for North Fermanagh, a club he helped set up.

Ireland coach Adrian Birrell said: "This is tragic news, and on behalf of the entire squad and management I'd like to pass on our sympathy and condolences to his wife Hope, and his family circle.

"Bob was a great ambassador for Irish cricket, and worked tirelessly in his various roles within cricket."

Kerr, ICU chairman from 2000-02 and president three years ago, was the current North West Cricket Union chairman. Former ICU chairman Joe Doherty said: "We are all stunned by this news.

"Bob has given outstanding service to Irish cricket at club, provincial, and national level, holding almost every senior position in the land with distinction.

"To me personally, he was always very supportive, especially when I was chairman of the NWCU and ICU. I shall always be grateful for that.

"His sudden passing will leave a big void in Irish cricket, and his beloved north west.

"My sincere condolences go to his loving wife Hope at this devastating time."

IRELAND qualified for the Super Eights when Pakistan hammered Zimbabwe in a rain-affected match, but due to the sad loss in their camp celebrations were understandably muted.

CAPTION(S):

FITNESS BATTLE: Ireland captain Trent Johnston has a painful shoulder problem; TRIBUTE: Birrell