Michael Delaney makes his return to the representative arena in the second match after recovering from consecutive shoulder reconstructions. Photo: Graham Tidy

Having played a season in Ireland, ACT Comets fast bowler Michael Delaney expects the men from the Emerald Isle to be the surprise packets at next year's World Cup.

Ireland will continue its preparations for the one-day tournament when it takes on the Comets in two 50-over matches at Manuka Oval next Tuesday and Thursday.

Delaney makes his return to the representative arena in the second match after recovering from consecutive shoulder reconstructions.

Having previously been contracted by South Australia, the 26-year-old suffered his most recent shoulder injury while playing in Belfast last year.

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He believes Ireland will challenge the second-tier teams at the World Cup, and has the potential to spring an upset on the higher-ranked sides.

"I think they'll be a little bit of a dark horse," Delaney said.

"They'll be the team to beat out of the minor countries and they might cause an upset here and there.

"Their top cricketers can play first-grade cricketers anywhere, the thing they struggle with is a little bit of depth, but they're definitely improving."

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ACT Comets fast bowler Michael Delaney tips Ireland to be dark horse at next year's World Cup