Gleghorne set for GB debut
Former Ireland international Mark Gleghorne will make his debut for Great Britain next month.
Last Updated: 07/11/11 6:19pm
Former Ireland international Mark Gleghorne will make his debut for Great Britain at the Champions Trophy in New Zealand next month.
The 26-year-old East Grinstead forward, who has not played international hockey since 2008 and has recently recovered from injury, has now joined compatriot Iain Lewers in earning a GB call-up after switching allegiance.
Also returning from injury are Reading's Simon Mantell, who missed England's European bronze medal in the summer, and East Grinstead's Mark Pearn, who returned home early from that tournament for minor knee surgery.
Scotland's 2004 Olympian Niall Stott is included as are Beeston goalkeeper George Pinner - making his first Champions Trophy appearance - Wimbledon's Beijing Olympic captain Ben Hawes and Old Loughtonians' Harry Martin.
"We are currently in an extended training phase and the Champions Trophy will help indicate how our preparation for next summer is going," said coach Jason Lee.
Opportunity
"It also gives us the opportunity to see some of the athletes that weren't involved in the European Championships.
"Selection has been particularly difficult due to the current strength and depth of the squad.
"Mark Gleghorne has been included since recovering from long term injury and has been training well."
The Champions Trophy runs from December 3-11 in Auckland and features eight of the world's best sides.
GB have been drawn alongside world champions Australia, Spain and Pakistan.
A top-five finish will guarantee participation in the 2012 Champions Trophy in Australia, which takes place after London Olympics.
The squad will play two warm-up matches in Belgium before flying out to New Zealand.
