Scotland: Stott expects Scots to win promotion
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| Scotland |
January 23, 2004
Telegraph.co.uk, UK
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By Mike Stanger
Scotland's women are one of the favourites to win the European Indoor Nations Trophy being played in Padova, Italy, this weekend.
Scotland were relegated from the 'A' Division of the European Cup two years ago but new team leader David Stott is confident of an immediate return to the elite. Promotion would open up the possibility at the next European Indoor Cup in 2005, of qualification for the World Cup in four years' time.
With the entire squad drawn from the ranks of just two clubs, captain Ali Denholm's squad is packed with versatile and experienced international players.
In-form striker Helen Craig is backed in midfield by Catriona Semple, Elaine Brierley, and Nikki Kleppang while the rearguard is well served by the steadying influence of double Olympian Alison Ramsay, making her indoor international debut, Karen Thomson and goalkeeper Debbie McLeod.
With a number of other experienced players absent on Great Britain duty, several youngsters in the squad get their international baptism, including Lorna Dobbie, Carmin Dow between the posts, and Lindsay Thomson.
Russell Garcia has put himself back in the frame for Olympic selection after impressing Great Britain men's coach Jason Lee during this week's training camp in Hampshire. Despite quitting international hockey almost four years ago after admitting using cocaine, Garcia, the 1988 Seoul gold medallist, apparently proved his class.
Nations Trophy fixtures
TODAY
EUROPEAN NATIONS INDOOR TROPHY (Padova, Italy): Slovakia v Ukraine, Scotland v Italy, Poland v Portugal, Switzerland v Ukraine, Slovakia v Italy, Portugal v Scotland, Switzerland v Poland.
EUROPEAN NATIONS INDOOR CH'SHIP (Eindhoven, Netherlands).- Pool A: Austria v Czech Republic, Germany v Belarus, Germany v Czech Republic, Austria v Belarus. Pool B: Russia v France, Lithuania v Netherlands, Lithuania v Russia, Netherlands v France.
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