GLOUCESTERSHIRE fast bowler Steve Kirby believes the door is still open for him to play for England after he was named in the Lions Squad for their limited overs tour to the United Arab Emirates.

Kirby is part of a 15-man party, which includes England international Ian Bell, Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter and highly-rated Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid.

The 32-year-old has never hid his desire to play for England and hopes to be part of the touring party going to Australia for the 2010-11 Ashes series.

“I have to grab this chance with both hands,” he said. “There will certainly be opportunities for players to break into the senior side.”

“I’m thrilled to be in the Lions squad and very excited about the tour.

“The prospect of playing for England has kept me going over the years and is the main reason why I play the game.

“I had a very good season with Gloucestershire and played for the Lions against Australia so I knew I had a chance of selection.

“But after so many past disappointments I certainly wasn’t taking anything for granted.”

The Lions tour will run from February 10 to 26 and Kirby could face the likes of Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Stuart Broad as they play England in a Twenty20 match on February 17 in Abu Dhabi.

The Lions play four other Twenty20 matches prior to that - one against the UAE and three against Pakistan A.

They then face Pakistan in three one-day internationals to complete the tour.

“We have an excellent balance of younger players who are just beginning to stake their claim for international honours, and players with plenty of experience at full international or county level in this squad,” said England and Wales Cricket Board performance director David Parsons.

“I have no doubt that every member will gain a huge amount from the three-week tour.

“We ran a very successful performance programme during November and December and I am delighted that six players from this year’s EPP have been selected for this tour.

“This represents an opportunity for them to test themselves against quality opposition and to press their case for a place in the England side.”

England Lions squad: Andrew Gale, Ian Bell, Michael Carberry, Michael Lumb, James Taylor, Craig Kieswetter, Steven Davies, Peter Trego, James Tredwell, Adil Rashid, Sajid Mahmood, Chris Woakes, Steven Finn, Steve Kirby, David Wainright.