Ireland's Women's National Hockey Coach, Muller, has announced a squad of 31 to play in a series of five games against Canada early in 2009. Both the Senior and Ireland A teams will be tested against Canada who are currently ranked 20th in the world.

The last time Ireland fronted up to Canada was in May at the Olympic Qualifiers in Victoria where they secured two victories over the side, 2-0 and 2-1 respectively.

Commenting on the impending series Muller said ÔÇ£The matches against Canada are great chance for us to play an extended group of 31 players against international opposition. It is especially a great opportunity for many of the young players in the Ireland 'A' team to play against an international team. These matches give us the chance to further our tactical development across the extended squad and allows for us to compare players competing for positions. We will be settling on both the senior national and the Ireland 'A' squads after these matches.ÔÇØ

Muller who has announced the squad for each of the five games will clearly be keeping an eye on all players as he looks to refine his squad in order to continue preparations for both the Champions Challenge II and the EuroHockey Nations Championship taking place in 2009.

Selection Ireland:

Match 12 January: Niamh Atcheler, Lizzie Colvin, Zara Delaney, Nicola Evans, Roisin Flinn, Megan Frazer, Emma Gray, Michelle Harvey, Anna O' Flanagan, Audrey O'Flynn, Julia O'Halloran, Melanie Ryan, Cliodhna Sargent, Niamh Small, Helen Stevenson, Chloe Watkins.

Match 13 January: Niamh Atcheler, Lauren Barr, Lizzie Colvin, Zara Delaney, Katherine Elkin, Nicola Evans, Emma Gray, Liz McInerney, Rachel Mulligan, Anna O' Flanagan, Audrey O'Flynn, Julia O'Halloran, Melanie Ryan, Cliodhna Sargent, Helen Stevenson, Chloe Watkins.

Match 16 January: Emma Clarke, Lizzie Colvin, Katherine Elkin, Roisin Flinn, Mary Goode, Michelle Harvey, Louisa Healy, Lisa Jacob, Shirley McCay, Jenny McDonough, Cathy McKean, Hollie Moffett, Niamh Small, Cliodhna Sargent, Nikki Symmons.

Match 17 January: Lauren Barr, Emma Clarke, Lizzie Colvin, Megan Frazer, Mary Goode, Michelle Harvey, Louisa Healy, Lisa Jacob, Shirley McCay, Jenny McDonough, Cathy McKean, Bridget McKeever, Rachel Mulligan, Ciara O'Brien, Alex Speers, Nikki Symmons.

Match 18 January: Emma Clarke, Roisin Flinn, Mary Goode, Michelle Harvey, Louisa Healy, Lisa Jacob, Shirley McCay, Jenny McDonough, Cathy McKean, Bridget McKeever, Hollie Moffett, Ciara O'Brien, Niamh Small, Alex Speers, Nikki Symmons.

Source: Irish Hockey Association.


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