Scotland Senior Men will play two international matches against Spain in Terrassa from 26-28 July before they fly out to Vienna to compete for promotion in the EuroHockey Nations Championship II. The Scots travel in good form having beaten the Czech Republic over two games in Prague earlier this month to extend their current winning run to seven games.
Scotland striker Alan Forsyth returns to form after injury lay-off
However, Spain, who are currently ranked seventh in the FIH World Rankings, will present a tough assignment for Scotland Head Coach Derek Forsyth and his players in the heat of the Iberian summer. The Spaniards are preparing for the EuroHockey Nations Championship in Boom, where they face the hosts Belgium, Czech Republic and Germany.
Scotland Men Team Manager, Eugene Connolly, said, “Spain will provide us with high quality opposition this weekend and it is exactly what the players need before we head out to Vienna for the Europeans. This is a different level and standard of opponent, but we need to maintain the confidence and performances the team has shown in going on a winning run against Wales, England A and the Czech Republic. It will be hot in Barcelona, but funnily enough the players have had the opportunity to acclimatise in Glasgow with the weather being so hot in Scotland recently. The mood in the camp is good and the players are looking forward to the challenge.”
Surbiton-bound striker Alan Forsyth, midfielder Gordon McIntyre and the vastly experienced Chris Nelson return to the fold following injury lay-offs, adding strength to the national side as they enter their final preparations for the important European competition in August.
“Forsyth, McIntyre and Nelson have all returned from long term injuries so the test for them this weekend is to get through the two games and prove their fitness,” said Connolly. “This is the squad we’d most likely take to the Europeans, but recent weeks have shown that we have strength in depth to bring in other players should we fall victim to injury lay-offs.”
Scotland Men: Jamie Cachia (Sheffield Hallam), Allan Dick (Holcolme), Wei Adams (Royal Penguins), Graham Moodie (Edinburgh University), Callum Duke (Edinburgh University), William Marshall (Kelburne), David Forsyth (Kelburne), Chris Nelson (Kelburne), Iain Scholefield (Qui Vive), Alan Forsyth (Surbiton), Chris Grassick (Surbiton), Nick Parkes (Surbiton), Gordon McIntyre (Beeston), Ross Stott (Grove Menzieshill), Gavin Byers (Grove Menzieshill), Kenny Bain (THC Hurley), Ian Moodie (Western Wildcats), Russell Anderson (Brooklands).