Irish name 21 man squad for
European Nations Cup opener against Scotland

European Nations Cup - Scotland v Ireland When: Sun 23rd October Where: Glasgow Hawks home ground Time: 2.30pm

The Irish Wolfhounds have named a 21 man squad for their European Nations Cup opener against Scotland this weekend.

The Wolfhounds have reported a full bill of health following Sunday?s defeat to Cumbria at Whitehaven RLFC. Coach Daryl Powell said ?despite the loss I?m very happy with how we performed, particularly the lads from the Irish amateur domestic game. It was a huge ask for them to play against professional players of this level, and they did not look out of place.?

Brian Carney, the Great Britain vice captain who heads for the Gold Coast of Australia this year after 5 years of faithful service to Super League supremo?s Wigan, attended the Cumbria game to support his Irish team mates and had this to say.

?It was fantastic to see 7 players from the domestic Irish conference? represent their country, five or six of whom could quite comfortably hold their own in National League 1. That?s not bad for fellas coming from an amateur competition especially considering many of them have only played a handful of rugby league games and have had little or no coaching.?

The competition kicks off for real this Sunday in Glasgow as the Irish Wolfhounds take on the might of Scotland, who are reeling from a defeat to Wales. If reports are to be believed, the Scots have enticed a few wise old heads back into the fold and will be looking to avenge their Welsh walloping with a win against the Wolfhounds.

Ireland are boosted by the return of Super League star's; Barrie McDermott and Francis Cummins of Leeds Rhino's, and Terry O'Connor of Widnes Vikings who are itching to get wearing the Green again.

Irish Squad Barrie McDermott Leeds Rhinos Barry Sweeney Waterford Vikings Billy Treacy Treaty City Titans Dean Gaskell Leigh Centurions Eion Power Kildare Dragons Eric Roberts Kildare Dragons Francis Cummins Leeds Rhinos Gareth Haggerty Castleford Tigers Ged Corcoran Dewsbury Rams Joe Manuel Kilkenny Wildcats Karl Fitzpatrick Salford Reds Kevin O'Riordan Treaty City Titans Martin Gambles Blackpool P Michael Platt Castleford Tigers Paul Handforth Castleford Tigers Paul McNicholas Hull FC Philip Purdue East Coast Eagles Simon Finningan Widnes Vikings Stuart Littler Salford Reds Terry O?Connor Widnes Vikings Tony Stewart Salford Reds