Cricket Ireland have announced that they have offered 17 players central contracts for the coming season.

There are three tiers of contracts, with five players given 'A' deals, eight 'B' level contracts while the remaining four players will be on 'C' contracts.

Trent Johnston, John Mooney, Alex Cusack and Kevin O'Brien head the 'A' category were they are joined by Max Sorensen who has been elevated into the top level.

The 'B' category is made up primarily of players who have county contracts in England, they are: George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Niall O'Brien, William Porterfield, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson. Andrew Smith is also included.

Up and coming youngsters Peter Chase, Tyrone Kane, James Shannon and Stuart Thompson have been awarded 'C' level deals.

"There's no doubt that a key part of our success to date has been the move to professionalism," said coach Phil Simmons.

"It makes such a difference as a coach to be able to work with players on a regular basis and this has been reflected in our dominance at Associate level over the past five or six years.

"The composition of the contracted players is an indication of what I strive for in my teams. There is the spine of experience as well as a number of very talented youngsters.

"While immediate results are paramount, it's always good to be thinking ahead and these contracts offer the younger guys some security as they look to build their careers."