Hockey: Austrian trip can sharpen young Scots

DEREK Forsyth, the Scotland men's under-21 coach, aims to get his side back into the top flight and this weekend's two Test matches against Austria in Vienna mark the opening stage in the build-up for the European Nations Trophy at the same venue in July.

Two years ago the Scots youngsters underperformed at the elite Championship tournament in San Sebastian and were consequently relegated, despite beating Austria 5-2 in their final encounter. Promotion from the lower-tier Trophy is the target for Forsyth, and the first hurdle will be to overcome Italy, Wales and Azerbaijan in the pool.

The Austrian matches this weekend are thus important to Forsyth's plans. "We're still finalising the final shape of the team and looking not only at one or two positions but also some cover options for others," he said.

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Forsyth's main injury worry concerns Chris Grassick, but he hopes the talented Inverleith player will still make the final selection for the Europeans. There is a lot of experience in the Scottish squad, though, with Grange's Wei Adams and John Harris of Inverleith, along with Gordon McIntyre, Allan Forsyth, Kenny Bain and Grassick, all members of Scotland's senior team that returned from the World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand with a bronze medal.

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