Jason Roy could be added to England squad to face Ireland to prove fitness ahead of World Cup

Roy has missed all four games in the Metro Bank series against New Zealand due to back spasms. However, bowlers Mark Wood (heel) and Adil Rashid (calf) remain unlikely to play in the Ireland series

Jason Roy could be added to the squad for the Ireland ODI series as he seeks to prove his form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Roy has missed all four games in the Metro Bank series against New Zealand due to back spasms. While he was originally omitted from the squad for the Ireland series, Jos Buttler, England's limited-overs captain, has suggested he could now be included.

England's original plan had been to give their World Cup players some time off before departure.

"Yes, I think he could [play against Ireland]," Buttler told the BBC after the team for the fourth ODI at Lord's was announced. "The Ireland squad has obviously been selected. But we still have a few days should we wish to make any changes, or expose anyone to some games of cricket. We can do that.

^{Roy hasn't featured in the ODI series against New Zealand due to back spasms [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

^{Injured bowlers Mark Wood and Adil Rashid are unlikely to feature against Ireland [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

"It's a frustration and the most frustrated person is Jason. Obviously he is desperate to play and be fit. He is moving very well but is not quite fit to play a game of cricket today. That's a frustration but that is where we are at, at the moment."

England have named several top-order players in that ODI squad with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Will Jacks and Harry Brook all having a claim to an opening berth. But with Roy named in the provisional World Cup squad, England may well be keen to allow him the opportunity to gain some time at the crease before his departure for India.

It remains possible England could change their World Cup squad. Brook, in particular, is pushing hard for inclusion and, with Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow set to open at the World Cup, there could be a case for replacing Roy with Brook in the squad. The England management are likely to confirm the squad next week.

It seems unlikely that either Adil Rashid (calf) or Mark Wood (heel) will play in the Ireland series. Both remain unfit for action but the England management are aiming for them to be ready for the first game of the tournament on October 5.

"Rash is progressing," Buttler said. "He is someone who is so important to us as a side. His skill set is very unique so he's always someone we are very much looking after. But he should be good for when it matters.

"Obviously the World Cup is the priority for Wood. He's looking good, bowling well, and going all in the right direction. Again he is someone who offers a unique skill set so he's someone we are taking great care of."