News

14-08 Irish tactically better than Malaysia

2010-08-14 17:08:00

Ireland will be gunning to scalp the Malaysians in the friendly matches ahead of the Five Nations tournament on Aug 24-29 in Paris. Ireland’s assistant coach Arul Selvaraj said the team were in fact preparing for the European Cup next year and positive results against teams like Malaysia will help boost their confidence.

“Unlike Malaysia, the Ireland Hockey Association don’t have much funds. In fact, players who represent the country have to pay a levy of €250 (RM1030) annually in order to prepare and send them for tournaments abroad,” said former international Arul.

Arul, who was on a short break in Malaysia, will leave for Ireland tonight as the Irish lads gather for their two-day camp on Aug 14 and 15 before the matches against Malaysian on Aug 18-22.

Arul, who was once the understudy of Paul Lissek, is now assisting South African Paul Revington to coach the Irish. And he will be on the sidelines in Paris when they play the likes of Malaysia, France, Poland and Scotland in the Five Nations tournament.

“The Irish players have day jobs so they don’t train on a regular basis unlike the Malaysian team. We’ve got Joe Brennan, who’s a fireman, and Timmy Cockram, who is a lawyer. The players come from diverse backgrounds but their enthusiasm in the sport is simply overwhelming.

“The players paid for two psychologists to be brought from South Africa and they will be with us during the Tests against Malaysia,” Arul added.

Arul reckons goalkeeper David Harte will be a difficult man to beat.

“Harte has been performing really well. I’d say he’s one of the finest goalkeepers in the world.

“The other players are equally great but we’ve made several changes to the team as the seasoned players have retired. I know the Malaysians have quite a young side as well so it’ll be interesting to see how we fare against them.

“We played Malaysia thrice last year, the last being a 2-1 for us during last year’s Champions Challenge in July. Technically, the Malaysians have the advantage but I honestly believe the Irish team are tactically better. It’ll be a good test for both teams.”

Malay Mail