HOCKEY: Ireland travel to Barcelona tomorrow for the men's European Championship finals with the same 18-man squad that participated in the recent Celtic Cup and last weekend's series of friendly internationals against Spain and Italy.

That is obviously good news for hopes of a top six placing as it means Justin Sherriff, who injured his thumb in the match against Italy, passed a fitness test over the weekend and should now be available for selection for Ireland's opening game against Spain on Monday.

With an average of 39 caps each and an average age of 25 years and nine months, the squad are reasonably experienced and go into the event with a 2003 record of played 16, won 6, drew 3 and lost 7.

Despite Sherriff's excellent scoring record for the team, Instonians' Mark Irwin has been the sharpest goalscorer this year with nine goals so far, including consecutive hat-tricks. Pembroke's Gordon Elliott is next on five goals with Sherriff on four.

Ireland open their campaign against the hosts, then face Russia, Germany, France and Belgium before cross over matches that determine final championship positions.

They will fly out from Dublin with the Irish women's team, which will feature in the women's European Championships, at the same venue for the first time.

IRELAND SQUAD: N Henderson (GK, Pembroke Wanderers, 46 caps, 0 goals, age: 35); W Bateman (GK,Cork Harlequins, 15 caps, 0 goals, age: 28); P Brown (Instonians, 54 caps, 3 goals, age: 27); J Black (Cork Harlequins, 52 caps, 3 goals, age: 25); D Smyth (Annadale, 40 caps, 0 goals, age: 25); E Lutton (Lisnagarvey, 84 caps, 3 goals (Age: 32); G Elliott (Pembroke Wanderers) - 34 caps, 17 goals, age: 26); S Butler (Glenanne, 49 caps, 15 goals, age: 23); K Burns (Cork C of I, 15 caps, 0 goals, age: 22); M Irwin (Instonians, 40 caps, 15 goals, age: 26); M Raphael (Lisnagarvey, 54 caps, 8 goals, age: 26); C Jackson (Annadale, 59 caps, 10 goals, age: 25); J Sherriff (Pembroke Wanderers, 42 caps, 24 goals, age: 24); G Shaw (Glenanne, 28 caps, 1 goal, age: 24); D Hobbs (Cork C of I, 24 caps, 0 goals,age: 21); A Barbour (Cookstown, 8 caps, 0 goals, age: 26); N Buttimer (Cork C of I, 45 caps, 2 goals, age: 26); J Jermyn (Cork C of I, 15 caps, 3 goals, age: 21). Coach: J Clarke; Manager: S Hiles.