Irish hockey team says hello Vienna

Ireland’s preparations for September’s European Nations Cup continue with a quadrangular tournament in Vienna next week.

The Irish, who lost back-to-back away and home series to England this month, will face hosts Austria, Switzerland and Russia – the latter two having also qualified for the European championships in Barcelona.

Coach John Clarke retains the same squad which lost all three matches in Dublin last weekend, meaning Cookstown’s Andy Barbour keeps his place after making his debut against England.

Instonians’ Paddy Brown is set to win his 50th cap in Vienna, he is currently three short.

“This series represents another important stage in the preparations and offers the opportunity to play against sides whom Ireland do not play that often due to geographical location,” said Clarke.

“However, such exposure to different styles is an important facet in developing this young side for what they will face in September in Barcelona.”

Ireland begin against Austria next Thursday, followed by Switzerland the day after and then Russia.

SQUAD: N Henderson (capt, gk), G Elliott, J Sherriff (Pembroke Wanderers); W Bateman (gk), J Black (Cork Harlequins); P Brown, M Irwin (Instonians); D Smyth, C Jackson (Annadale); E Lutton, M Raphael (Lisnagarvey); S Butler, G Shaw (Glenanne); K Burns, D Hobbs, J Jermyn, N Buttimer (Cork C of I); A Barbour (Cookstown).