Matt Daly to rejoin English team in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup – Field Hockey News
Matt Daly, the legendary player of the English hockey team, after a long break will rejoin the Great Britain squad in the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup scheduled to be held from May 5 to 15 in the Malaysian city of Ipoh.
Owing to injuries, the fabled hockey star did not contest the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy. He went through a major surgery. Daly is going to take part in the international tournament after two years, as he lastly contested the
European Championship and won a gold medal for his team.
It is vital to mention here that Great Britain is making their first appearance in the Malaysia-based Azlan Shah Cup. The English squad representing England competed in five tournaments and as well captured a gold medal back in 1994.
Daly is one of the fifteen players from England who are currently training for the upcoming tournament. They are mulling to use this tournament as a preparatory session for next years London Olympics. The selection committee has finalised an eighteen-member
squad of which some are new faces while others are experienced hockey professionals.
An Irish player, Iain Lewers will make his maiden appearance in the event with the Great Britain Team. He displayed impressive skills in the domestic tournaments and earned a spot in the International squad.
The world’s best hockey squads will feature in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which is only a few days away. World Champions Australia, Pakistan, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Great Britain and the host Malaysia will contest the mega event.
The English side will have to contest the tournament without their skipper Barry Middleton. The team will have to show some outstanding performances in order to boost up the team’s courage for the upcoming London Games.
In the later part of the year, the English line-up will have to defend their title in the European Championship.
Coach of the Great Britain Team, Jason Lee while talking to the reporters said that they would not get an opportunity to play an international event prior to the Olympic Gala. Thus, it would be a unique chance for the British squad to face international
teams ahead of the mega event. He maintained that the weather condition in Malaysia would further boost the fighting spirit and stamina of the players.
The English squad that will leave for Malaysia is comprised of Alastair Wilson, James Tindall, Simon Mantell, Rob Moore, Glenn Kirkham, Iain Mackay, Jonty Clarke, Matt Daly, Niall Stott, Richard Alexander, Alastair Brogdon, Iain Lewers, Nick Brothers, Stephen
d**k, Adam Dixon, James Fair, Richard Mantell, and Richard Smith.
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