Hobbs and Brennan to miss WCQ

Ireland coach Paul Revington has described the loss of two key players on the eve of his side’s World Cup qualification campaign as “a body blow” to their hopes of progressing.

The squad departed yesterday to South America for the tournament – which gets underway in Quilmes, Argentina this weekend – without vice-captain David Hobbs and Glenanne sweeper Joe Brennan, who have both lost their respective battles to be fit.

Brennan broke his thumb in action for his club in the EuroHockey League last month, and only had his cast removed last week.

Hobbs lined out for Cork C of I in their 2-1 win over Bandon last Friday night, but an ongoing injury means he is not up to the rigours of an intensive week of international competition.

Revington has called up Cookstown starlet David Ames as a like-for-like replacement for vastly-experienced midfielder Hobbs, who alongside Graham Shaw provides back-up to skipper Ronan Gormley, and has more than 130 caps to his name.

But the South African-born coach has curiously added Annadale forward Peter Caruth in place of defender Brennan, meaning the versatile Paul Gleghorne is likely to be confined to defensive duties for the tournament.

Revington insisted the loss of Hobbs’ tournament know-how – he is a veteran of the 2006 WCQ in China as well as last year’s Olympic qualification tournament in New Zealand – would be greatly missed.

“David has been a great strength to the Irish team over several years. His power in midfield and the great deal of experience he carries, will be missed, as will the presence and quality that Joe has added to our team throughout 2009,” said Revington.

However, he also lauded the duo’s replacements, dubbing Ames “such an exciting prospect for Irish hockey” while highlighting the consistent improvement displayed by Caruth in 2009. Ireland get their campaign underway against world number 19 USA on Saturday.