Giles seals surprise call-up to Ireland squad

PEMBROKE WANDERERS captain Alan Giles has earned a surprise call-up to the Irish senior men’s squad for next month’s EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham.

The 28-year-old made his senior Irish debut as an under-strength side claimed the Celtic Cup in June, and will replace Three Rock’s Andy McConnell, who misses out due to exam commitments, this time around.

The selection of Giles, who guided Pembroke to four trophies last season, is further proof of coach Paul Revington’s willingness to pick on form, and bucks the trend of recent years of only introducing players U24 to international hockey.