On the threshold of a fresh hockey season, it is appropriate that Ireland's promising under21 squad will be testing their capabilities in a four-nation tournament which also involves England, Belgium and Germany at Milton Keynes this weekend.

Including a senior international in Chris Jackson and captained by another accomplished Ulsterman David Smyth, the backbone remains of the under-18 side which won silver in the European Youth Olympics at Bath two years ago. On that occasion, the first Irish victory over Germany at any level was recorded.

It would therefore be a considerable boost if, on Sunday, the Germans could be beaten again, though they are expected to be a more mature and streetwise team as they tune up for next month's Junior World Cup.

Similarly, England will be reckoned to be stronger, even if they need to respect Ireland's up-and-coming strike force, spearheaded by Justin Sherriff, this afternoon. At the very least, an Irish win can be anticipated at Belgium's expense tomorrow.