News

Livermore left out of Kookaburras squad

2010-02-09 18:02:00

A shocked and dismayed Brent Livermore claims he has been hard done by after being overlooked for selection in the Kookaburras' squad for hockey's World Cup.

Livermore, 33, who is four games shy of breaking Jay Stacy's Australian record of 321, was the notable absentee in the 18-man squad named by Australia on Monday for the New Delhi tournament, which begins later this month.

Into the squad came striker Kieran Govers, who has played just three games for the Kookaburras but impressed coach Ric Charlesworth in the recent series against Korea, and defender Kiel Brown, who missed selection in last year's Champions Trophy in Melbourne.

Livermore was desperate to be selected for the World Cup - a tournament the Kookaburras have not won since 1986 - after he was overlooked for the 2008 Olympic tournament, where Australia won the bronze medal.

"It's very hard to accept the fact, it was a really big shock and a big shock to a lot of my teammates as well," he told AAP.

Livermore said he was yet to speak with Charlesworth or the other selectors over their decision, but said the only feedback he had received of late had been positive.

The midfielder said he thought his experience would have been crucial in the Indian capital and that his form had been good.

"I still feel fitter and faster and better prepared now than I was three or four years ago," he said.

"My physical attributes are still all up there and with the mental side of my game, I definitely have improved and want to show that I can represent my country again, so it's hard to take.

"I still believe I have a lot of hockey left and could maybe get through to (the Olympics in) London in 2012, so I have got to assess my thoughts and where I go from here.

"But morally I feel hard done by given the service I've given over the years, to be a few games away from the national record and to have played for 13 years."

Brent Dancer, the son of former Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer, was another high-profile player overlooked.

Australia are the favourites to win the tournament following their triumph in the Champions Trophy and will play two Tests against New Zealand in Perth before they depart for India.

The World Cup is a litmus test for security arrangements before the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi later this year.

Australian squad: Des Abbott, George Bazeley, Graeme Begbie, Kiel Brown, Nathan Burgers, Matthew Butturini, Liam De Young, Luke Doerner, Jamie Dwyer, Kieran Govers, Rob Hammond, Fergus Kavanagh, Mark Knowles, Eddie Ockenden, Simon Orchard, Grant Schubert, Matthew Swann, Glenn Turner.