Volleyball: Call-ups reveal City connections as Loftus praises hard work

Scotland men’s volleyball coach Simon Loftus has given a thumbs-up to City of Edinburgh after naming his squad for next month’s Novotel Cup in Luxembourg.

Loftus has included three current City players – Jamie McHardy, Mike Penny and Niall Collin – and two former players – Gavin Watt and Robin Miedzybrodzki – in his selection.

Watt is currently playing with AS Cannes in France and Miedzybrodzki is coming off a tough beach season as he bids to make London 2012.

“We have an excellent crop of young players all coming through at the same time, and this is testimony to the great work being done in clubs up and down the country,” Loftus said.

Scotland face England and Denmark as well as hosts Luxembourg at the January event.

Edinburgh are still unbeaten this season and the Schelde Sports Scottish League leaders face second-placed Bon Accord tomorrow at Queensferry High School.

Edinburgh Jets face Kilmarnock Blaze and are looking to pick up three points on their travels.

In the women’s first division, Edinburgh Jets are at Troon KC and NUVOC also travel west to face South Ayrshire.

City of Edinburgh host North Lanarkshire, and a win can see them move up to second if leaders Troon PA beat Su Ragazzi.