Lloyd backs Ward to shine on Davis Cup bow

Yesterday's draw pitched Ward against Lithuanian No2 Laurynas Grigelis in the opening match of the Europe/Africa Zone Group Two tie at the Vitas Gerulaitis Tennis Centre in Vilnius.

Ward's match will kick off the action this morning, with Dan Evans up against Lithuania's top man Ricardas Berenkis.

Doubles duo Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski will be in action tomorrow afternoon, with Ward and Evans in their reverse singles on Sunday morning. Ross Hutchins completes the Great Britain squad.

Lloyd has no fears about Ward being in the thick of the action right from the off. Speaking on lta.org.uk, he said: "Everybody's feeling good, I'm happy with the draw. I think it's good for us that Wardy makes his debut and goes off first without having to wait around the locker room.

"He goes up against their number two who's a good player, but if he plays the way he's been practising and focuses on his side of the court, he should do well.

"Dan is also hitting the ball well. He's the underdog on paper, but if he had to play Berenkis in a Challenger or Futures event, he wouldn't be thinking, 'That's a terrible draw.' It's just getting in Davis Cup mode, playing another opponent across the net, and not thinking about all the other stuff."

Lloyd is preparing his team for what promises to be a lively reception in Vilnius.

"The boys have played in front of big crowds, but I have a feeling that this is probably going to be the loudest they've ever experienced," he admitted.

"I've been to a lot of Eastern European countries and traditionally in Davis Cup they're pretty loud. But I've told them that the louder the crowd get, that means they're doing some damage and doing a good job. So they just need to enjoy it, and try to have a good time out there."

Lloyd suffered a blow when Jamie Baker withdrew due to an ankle injury suffered in training on Wednesday. The Scot had been set to be the reserve but Lloyd nevertheless lamented the news. "I'm absolutely devastated for Jamie," he said. "He's been doing so well in training, so for this to happen is just such bad luck for him."

In other Davis Cup ties this weekend, Nikolay Davydenko has pulled out of Russia's team for the tie with India because of a wrist injury and has been replaced by Igor Andreev for the first-round tie at Moscow's Luzhniki arena.

Chileans Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu admit they will find it difficult to focus on their tie with Israel following the devastating earthquake in the country recently, while Novak Djokovic will spearhead Serbia as they clash with the United States on home turf in Belgrade.