Irish opportunity knocks for Crowley in Germany

MIRIAM CROWLEY has been handed a chance to prove her international credentials at the highest level, after she was the bolter named in Gene Muller’s squad for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Moenchengladbach, Germany later this month.

The 23-year-old UCC schemer joins Loreto’s Niamh Small in returning to the fold as Muller makes two changes from the 18 that recorded a series of encouraging results at the Champions Challenge II in Dublin in June.

Jean McDonnell and Nicci Daly are the two to lose out, with Muller deciding that Crowley — who will be playing in her first major international tournament — and Small will add a greater physical presence to the side.