Pat Burke unavailable for Saturday's encounter with Denmark

Ireland’s Senior Men take on Denmark on Saturday in the final series of the play-offs for Division A.

“It’s like a UEFA Cup game. It’s a big final with a big prize up for grabs,” said head coach Gerry Fitzpatrick.

Pat Burke will not be available for Saturday’s game. He had to return to his new NBA team the Phoenix Suns last Monday after the Slovakian game and has since not been released.

“It is very disappointing for us but especially for him. If there was any way he could be here on Saturday he would, but it is up to the Suns,” said Fitzpatrick.

“There is a possibility he may be released for the Denmark away game on the 24th but we will not know until next week.”

The Irish team will now continue with 11 players. They will be looking to the likes of Cal Bowlder to shine for the Irish side, as he has had a relatively quiet international season so far.

“I can’t say whether or not we will beat Denmark on Saturday, but we have been working very hard. The key thing for us is to look at getting the result we need at home so that we do not dig a hole for ourselves for Denmark,” said Fitzpatrick.

“It is only going to be half time really after Saturday’s game so we need to keep that in perspective.”

Fitzpatrick knows that Denmark will be no easy task. “ They are a team with a lot of size.

“Their centre is 7’3”. They are very well drilled and had significant wins, obviously winning their group, but they beat Finland earlier in the summer. They will no doubt be a serious challenge.”

Saturday will certainly be an action-packed day of basketball with the women’s game tipping off at 1.30pm and the men’s game at 5pm.

Although tickets are still on sale, the National Basketball Arena is expected to be a sell-out.