Austria and Poland are next up for Scots

Austria and Poland in Poznan are next up for the
Scotland men`s squad this weekend as they continue their build-up
for the first round of the inaugural World League at the end of
next month.  

It is crucial that the Scots qualify for the next round, not
only because the World League is an ultimate qualifier for the 2014
World Cup after four rounds, but the failure to progress beyond the
opening round would crucify any hint of progress under new coach
Derek Forsyth.

Although the results in earlier build-up games have been mixed,
there are fresh signs that Forsyth has instilled a new sense of
purpose in his new charges.   The 2-2 draw and a couple
of narrow defeats against World number five Spain, the 3-0 defeat
of Wales in the recent Celtic Cup, and scoring 11 goals in three
games in the same tournament are definitely
encouraging.   Perhaps even more hopeful is that at last
Scotland seem to have found a talented set piece expert in Durham
University`s  Dan Coultas, he scored no fewer than five times
in the narrow 6-5 defeat by South Africa, a side ten places above
the Scots in the world ranking.   With penalty corners
such a crucial part of the modern game, all top sides have at least
one expert striker, so Coultas could be Scotland`s secret weapon in
the World League campaign.

Although the Scotland side has been hit be withdrawals, manager
Eugene Connolly sees the games against Austria and Poland as
important in the preparation programme.   “These teams
are close to us in the world rankings so we can assess our
progress, but they also play a similar style to the sides we will
meet in the World League.”     There, the Scots
are up against hosts Portugal, Italy, Morocco and Gibraltar in a
single pool competition, with the top two moving on to the next
round.

The loss of experienced campaigners Alan Forsyth, Michael
Bremner, Chris Nelson, Niall Stott and Chris Grassick will
undoubtedly weaken the side for Poznan, but it is a chance for the
management to assess others before final selection for
Portugal.   “We have a lot of youngsters in the present
side, and this weekend will give them more experience on the
international stage,” said Connolly.  So Poznan is the chance
for Ian Moodie, Callum Duke, goalkeeper Phil Carr and new cap
Clydesdale`s Fraser Hirst to shine, but also there is also a recall
for Inverleith defender Adam MacKenzie.

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