Hilliard gets call-up

Ireland will now play three internationals against Scotland in Dundee next month following confirmation from the Russian and …

Ireland will now play three internationals against Scotland in Dundee next month following confirmation from the Russian and Italian hockey unions that they will not be accepting their invitations to take part in the tournament.

The matches will mark the beginning of Ireland's build-up to July's European Nations Cup qualifier in Finland. Hermes goalkeeper Sarah Hilliard was called up to the panel that met in Belfast at the weekend for a two-day training session with coach Riet Kuper but her club captain Jenny Burke, who is still troubled by a shoulder injury, was unable to take part. Also absent were Caroline Craig, who is suffering from a viral illness, and Kim Mills, who picked up a whiplash injury. All three players are doubtful for the trip to Dundee.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that the Irish under-21 team will play reigning European champions Holland in a triangular tournament, along with Germany, in Hanover in June, as part of their preparations for hosting August's European Under-21 championships in Belfast.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times