White gets GB call

HOCKEY:

OLDHAM’S Nicola White has been called-up to the Great Britain squad for next month's Champions Trophy in Argentina.

After playing her part in the recent 5–0 Test series victory over the United States in California, former Hulme Grammar School pupil has been given the nod for the last major pre-Olympics event.

The 24-year-old has done enough to convince coach Danny Kerry she is worthy of a place in the squad and is looking forward to what promises to be an intriguing 2012.

Slough star White said: “We did well in America, which came on the back of a couple of intense training blocks at Bisham.

“We have quite a hectic year coming up in the run-up to the Olympics in London. Fingers crossed for a good start to 2012.”

Great Britain face new world number ones Holland, Olympic silver medallists China and Japan in their group in Rosario. Coach Kerry said: "We will use the Champions Trophy to thoroughly scout teams in preparation for London 2012 and to continue to explore and develop our own combinations.”

The week before the Champions Trophy, Britain will play a four–nation tournament in Cordoba against hosts Argentina, Commonwealth silver medallists New Zealand and South Korea with a slightly different squad.

Prior to departing for Argentina, all 22 players will take part in a five–day training camp near Barcelona from January 4 and then play three matches against Spain. Champions Trophy squad: B Storry (GK), L Bartlett, A Danson, E Maguire, H Richardson, K Walsh (Reading); A Walker (GK), N Seymour (EuroCanterbury); A Ball, N White (Slough); C Cullen, H Macleod, A Panter, C Rogers (Leicester); S Thomas (unattached); G Twigg (Clifton); L Unsworth (Loughborough Students); S Walton (Bowdon Hightown).