Basketball European Division A play-offNBA club Phoenix Suns have refused to release Pat Burke for this evening's crucial match against Denmark (National Arena, 5pm), one of the biggest international ties in Irish basketball history.

The talisman from the epic victory over the Slovak Republic last Saturday has been forced to return to the USA for pre-season training in Phoenix.

"It is very disappointing for us but especially for him; if there was any way he could be here on Saturday he would, but it is up to the Suns," said Ireland coach Gerry Fitzpatrick.

There is still hope that he will be available for the second leg in Denmark on September 24th but this is also unlikely considering the low regard in which an NBA franchise would hold international basketball in Europe.

Co-captain Dan Callaghan is expected to start in Burke's place but it will also mean more game time for former NBA player Cal Bowdler.

Still, without Burke's driving presence, the odds are now stacked in Denmark's favour.

"We have been working very hard," continued Fitzpatrick. "The key thing for us is to look at getting the result we need at home so that we do not dig a hole for ourselves for Denmark. It is only going to be half-time really after Saturday's game so we need to keep that in perspective.

"They are a team with a lot of size. Their centre is 7ft 3in. They are very well drilled and had significant wins, obviously winning their group, but they beat Finland earlier in the summer. They will no doubt be a serious challenge."

Saturday will be a double header at the National Arena as the women's opening European Championship qualifier against Sweden tips off at 1.30pm.

Ireland will be without their WNBA star Susan Moran owing to work commitments at Saint Joe's in Philadelphia, where she is currently assistant coach.

"She is devastated she can't join the squad this year but did everything she could to make it this weekend," said coach Ger Tarrant.