THE Irish team starts its campaign at the European Badminton' Championships in Denmark this afternoon with little room for manoeuvre if it is to achieve its goal of avoiding a return to the Helvetia Cup by gaining a top-13 place this weekend.

The team qualified impressively from the Helvetia Cup last year in Malta, but will only avoid having to return to next year's competition'

if they finish above the bottom three in Denmark.

That target has not been made any easier for the Irish by the absence of Ann Stephens, who was forced to withdraw by a back injury. The team remains one of the strongest and least controversial in recent years.

In Stephens's absence, first time international Caroline O'Sullivan's role is likely to become all the more important in a team that also includes Sonya McGinn, Elaine Kiely, Bruce Topping, Michael Watt, Michael O'Meara and Donie O'Halloran.

It is a measure of the determination of the Badminton Union of Ireland that the country should continue to be represented at this level that a team of eight was selected when the Union has so often felt the need to cut corners. But the Irish will still face an uphill struggle in a group that includes Austria, Iceland and Wales.

Finishing at least third in the group is essential if the Irish are to avoid the drop. But the Austrians, who bent Ireland 3-2 in the Thomas Cup, may have a stronger line up on than on that occasion, and the Irish lost to Wales 4-1 before Christmas.

McGinn's return to fitness after a series of problems is a boost. Her recent title win in the Glasgow Open gave a welcome reminder of what she is capable of. The availability of Watt after a year's absence and O'Halloran's inclusion will increase the options available to team coach Mark Methven.

Barring a reorganisation of the group, the Irish will take on the Austrians in their first match this afternoon. But, while it is important to take something out of the match, it seems likely that it is the battles with Wales and Iceland that will decide Ireland's fate.