Scots set for tough tests against USA

FOUR Test matches against the USA at Forthbank this week will give Scotland hockey coach Russell Garcia a chance to step up preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi at the start of October.

The Americans are sure to provide a good test, given they are three places above the Scots in the world rankings.

Consistency eluded the Scots at the INSEP Hockey Challenge in Paris last weekend. Garcia's side saw off France and Poland only to lose to Malaysia and Ireland and finish third overall, although all these sides are officially ranked above the Scots.

The 16 picked for the Commonwealth Games are all in the line-up for the USA encounters, Olympic keeper Alistair McGregor returning to the squad after his honeymoon. Also facing the Americans will be Delhi travelling reserves, Menzieshill's Gavin Byers and keeper Jamie Cachia.

"We'll be using the games against the USA as the next phase in the build-up for Delhi, to continue developing our formations and playing patterns," said Scotland manager Eugene Connolly. "Also it's important to get results, the win ethic is so important."