LIAM Livingstone is ignoring speculation over a possible England call-up and staying fully focused on his role with Lancashire.

The Barrovian batting ace was being widely tipped to earn a place in the squad for England's one-day international series against Ireland next week.

However, his name was absent from the 14-man squad announced on Tuesday, with the 23-year-old having to wait a little longer to make the step up from the county game and the England Lions set-up.

Livingstone, who made a career-best score of 168 against Somerset at Old Trafford in Lancashire's latest County Championship game, admits he was aware of the speculation, but knows it is no easy task earning an international call and is concentrating solely on doing his best for the Red Rose.

“I was aware of the speculation, but the England one-day squad at the moment is unbelievable and very hard to get into,” said the Barrow Cricket Club youth product, who toured Sri Lanka with the Lions in the winter, hitting two centuries in the second unofficial Test. “I was not expecting anything.

“If you get a call-up, I would be very happy, but I was not expecting anything, because the way they are playing their cricket at the moment is very exciting and they've got a great unit.

“I've just got to keep working hard and keep putting in performances for Lancashire. That's what I'm focusing on at the moment.”

Prior to the announcement of the England squad for the Ireland series by the ECB, former national team coach Andy Flower and ex-Lancashire coach Ashley Giles had both expressed their belief Livingstone could make an impact for his country.