Scotland to Take on Ireland

Gold medallist Russell Garcia starts his temporary stint as Scotland’s senior men’s head coach, while still working with the junior men, when the squad take on Ireland in three test matches 2-4 October in Banbridge, Northern Ireland as part of preparations for their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Garcia said: “We’re looking to get ready for the qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand in November. Ireland will be a real chance for less experienced players to prove themselves with a view to going to the qualifier- but also looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games.“

Twenty Scots have been selected to travel to Banbridge Hockey Club, several with less than twenty caps and five taking the pitch for Scotland’s senior men for the first time. Making their debut is David and Alan Forsyth (Azzurri Kelburne), Wei Adams (Grange), John Harris (Inverleith) and Callum Milne (Inverleith).

“Ireland are playing well; they’ve developed their team and are ahead of where we are currently. It will be a tough challenge but good for us,” warned Garcia. The two sides last met at the Celtic Cup in June where they drew 3-3 in the final match which allowed the Irish to take the Cup on points difference.

The upcoming match against Ireland is one piece in the get fit for New Zealand puzzle, as Garcia is starting to assemble a plan for qualification.

“One of the things that came out of the recent European Trophy was that the squad was too slow. This month the team is going through a speed endurance and strength phase and we’ll work on core skills. Starting in October, we’ve got several games set up before heading to New Zealand. We’ve met our target of 10 competitive games, against teams such as Italy and Bangladesh. We’ll also look to develop plays, tactics and our unit play,” said Garcia.

When asked what it will take for players to make it to the qualifier, he explained: “I’m looking to see if the guys can perform physically at a high level of intensity in match games. They need to show they can make decisions under pressure. You can push young players to a point but if they’re not ready, they’re not ready.”

Garcia agreed to fill in when Scottish Hockey and Jon Royce parted ways after his contract ran out this summer following the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham where Scotland finished fifth.