MENS HOCKEY: The worst case scenario for the Irish team presented itself yesterday when goalkeeper Charlie Henderson pulled out of the national squad bound for Egypt to play in a four-nations event with Egypt, Italy and Poland.
Because goalkeepers Mark Ruddle and Gareth Lennox were unavailable, the 63-time capped Henderson was the only goalkeeper picked to go. That in itself was a high risk strategy, and yesterday, when Henderson was forced to pull out because of concussion, Irish coach Dave Passmore was forced to re-call former Irish captain and brother of Charlie, 37-year-old Nigel Henderson.
Nigel had retired form international hockey after Ireland won the European Championship trophy in Rome last September and had no plans to re-enter the international scene.
This is the latest withdrawal of players that has stretched back to Christmas. While Passmore has put together a comprehensive and intense build-up to the World Cup qualifier in April, he is struggling to have all of his first pick players available at any one time.
Also missing from the trip to Egypt is Stephen Butler, a pivotal member of the side, and the injured Cork Harlequin's Sean Nicholson and C of I's Karl Burns.
Although Nigel Henderson is still extremely capable of performing at that level, the decision to bring him, or Wesley Batemen, back into the squad is a retrograde step and will not help the sense of continuity building towards Ireland's most important tournament for some time.
Though all amateur players, Ireland have had to take a professional approach to the tournament. But with Butler committed to work, Burns' hamstring giving him problems and Nicholson's ankle needing rest, Passmore has called up Annadale's Steven Redpath and has decided to take Burns along.
"Given our circumstances, we couldn't have any better replacement than Nigel," said Passmore. "He has been working with the goalkeepers in a coaching capacity, so knows our set plays and defensive strategies.
"Things never go according to plan at tournaments, so we just have to get on with the task in hand.
"We will take Karl with us, as he can get daily physio and also complete a detailed rehabilitation programme," added the coach.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Leinster Senior League: Division One: YMCA v Monkstown, 1.30 Claremont Road; TCD v Avoca, Santry 3.00. Four Nations Cairo, Ireland v Poland 6.00. Sunday: Leinster Senior Cup - Semi-finals: Corinthians v TRR, Grange Road 2.00; Pembroke v Glenanne, Grange Road 4.00; Four Nations Cairo, Ireland v Italy 4.00. Tuesday 28th: Four Nations Cairo, Ireland v Egypt 6.00.
