Ireland win battle of minds with Canada

CANADA pulled out all the stops in their efforts to psych Ireland out of yesterday’s World Cup hockey qualifier, but Ireland held on for a vital 2-1 win to recover lost ground after their defeat by England.

The Canadians’ bold move - taking off goalie Mike Mahood and playing with 11 outfield players - might have worked in the past, but the Irish players have been taking lessons in how not to get fazed by such moves.

Psychologist Phil Moore has been working with the Irish team to get them to cope with all sorts of extraordinary circumstances and, according to midfielder Stephen Butler, his efforts came to fruition here yesterday.