Dundee hockey players Gavin Byers and Ross Stott's selection for the Scottish men's team competing at the World Cup qualifier event in New Zealand next month (7-15 November) could prove a valuable stepping stone to next year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The 17-man squad is a mix of experienced internationals and promising juniors intended to develop a larger, more competitive group of players.

Twenty year old Byers and Stott, 21, both Tayside & Fife Institute of Sport supported athletes, might have been selected for the Scotland senior team in this summer’s European Cup but being picked for the World Cup qualifier was not a foregone conclusion.

“I was excited to get selected for the Europeans in the summer but to get picked for the World Cup qualifier at such a young age is an awesome achievement,” said Kelburne player, Stott, younger brother of Olympic hockey player, Niall.  “I’m a bit of a beginner at senior international level and I feel really proud to go and represent Scotland.” 

With only one team able to qualify for the World Cup from this tournament, competition will be fierce.  Scotland is up against Austria, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and Wales and points earned will count towards world rankings.  With Delhi hosting the Commonwealth Games in a year’s time the tournament will be a good opportunity for Byers and Stott to prove themselves to selectors.

“It’s a useful squad and it’s a good chance to play quality teams,” said Menzieshill player, Byers. “A lot of it is based on getting youngsters to look forward three or four years towards the Commonwealth Games.

“I was aiming for the Glasgow 2014 Games before I was involved in this squad this year.  But because I was selected for the Europeans and have been picked for the World Cup qualifier I think it’s quite realistic for me to try and get into the team for Delhi.”

The same view is shared by Stott, “Delhi next year is a big target and getting selected for this team will help because it shows the coaches think I’m doing well at this level.  I think if I keep working hard and improving I don’t see why I shouldn’t get selected for the Commonwealth Games team for Delhi.”

Said Scottish Hockey Union Performance Manager, Callum McLeod, “The World Cup qualifier will be the biggest tournament that both of them have ever played in. They are both very talented and have worked hard to achieve their place on the team.

“This is an opportunity for both of them to stake their place in the Commonwealth Games team and both have a very good chance to do that.”

Supporting both players is the Tayside & Fife Institute of Sport (TFIS), which provides high performance expertise to Scotland’s potential world class talent. The TFIS organizes up to three pitch sessions a week for both Byers and Stott as well as supervised Strength & Conditioning training and medical support.

Byers, who suffered a fractured wrist in the summer, has been helped back to fitness with help from TFIS. 

“The Institute’s Doctor, Niall Elliott fast tracked everything at the hospital and made sure I was getting seen quickly,” he said.  “Physio Maggie Hendry was a huge help too and between them they helped me get back to fitness.”