Hockey: Young Scots set for first outing under new coach

THE annual Great Britain Super League which starts today in Lilleshall will give Graham Moodie, newly-appointed head coach to the Scotland men’s under 21 squad, his first chance to cast an eye over his youngsters in a competitive environment.

Normally the GBSL event involves part of the selection process for senior international players, but with the Olympics only a few months away GB coach Jason Lee already has his training squad well established for the London Games. Consequently this year’s GBSL event will focus on under-21 level with a view to Rio de Janeiro in four years’ time and beyond.

“For me the GBSL is an opportunity to see all the players in the under-21 squad, 24 players in all will play over the two weekends and this means we have two very different teams going down each weekend. I will be able to see how the players get on under pressure against some very good opposition,” said Moodie.

As well as future Olympic hopefuls, Moodie is looking to groom a successful squad for the European Junior Nations Championships in Den Bosch this summer, when the Scots youngsters are up against powerhouse nations like Belgium, Germany and Spain at the pool stage.

“I expect the English teams will have the majority of their under-21 squad for the Europeans, and it’ll be a good benchmark to see where we are compared to one of the top four teams in Europe.”

With the GBSL’s continued fixation about big cats, the Scots will play under the name Caledonian Cougars, and today take on English side Pennine Pumas and the following day play the Welsh outfit Celtic Panthers.

Moodie sees the GBSL as part of an ongoing selection process. “In terms of selection for the Europeans, every game, training session and fitness test is an opportunity for the players to work hard and show me how much they want to play for Scotland, and this weekend will be no different.”

Some of the young Scots travelling to Lilleshall this weekend have already made their mark in the national league this season, none more so than the Grange trio of Fraser Sands, Duncan Riddell and Matt Connor, but also Inverleith’s Chris Duncan and Ross Jamieson, Craig Falconer of Grove Menzieshill along with the Clydesdale quartet of Aiden Black, Gregor Hirst, Michael McKenzie and Peter Baldwin.

The women’s junior squad also travel to the same venue to play the same teams.