Steve Rhodes wants his Worcestershire players to "shove my words back in my face" after reading the riot act in the aftermath of the shock Friends Provident Trophy defeat against Ireland.

Director of cricket Rhodes revealed he pulled no punches in the dressing room after the Royals were skittled for just 58 with the 94-run reversal costing them a quarter-final spot.

Rhodes said: "I am sure they will pick themselves up because there is no alternative but we had some quite harsh words in the dressing room after the game. It was not so much a rage but some harsh realities. They will feel as though they are quite hurt by those realities that I mentioned."

He added: "If a little bit of a stark reminder of where we are, and what we need to be, fires them into action, then great.

"I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think they could respond - and I am sure they will."

Rhodes added: "The reaction I am looking for is for them to bounce back and prove me wrong, shove my words straight into my face.

"Then the benefactors will be Worcestershire because then we will start winning games of cricket.

"What I want is some improved performances. Our form has been up and down and it is disappointing and we are desperate to put it right and get some consistent form going.

"We have started poorly in the County Championship and we've gone out of the FPT when we could have been in the quarter-finals.

"But we start another tournament now in the Twenty20 Cup and everyone is on zero points. You need a good start and get points in the bag so you are not playing catch-up."