Irish under-21 coach Adele Sloan has named a 17-player squad for the two friendly hockey internationals against Germany in Belfast in a fortnight's time. The matches mark the beginning of the build-up to August's European Under-21 Championships, which are being held in Belfast.

Kerry Hiles of Trinity and Ulster captains the squad which will be without goalkeeper Angela Platt who is suffering from glandular fever. Hermes' Catriona Carey, who missed most of the season through injury, is included in the panel along with UCC's talented forward EJ Walsh.

Ireland will play all three of their group opponents in the European Championships - Germany, England and Spain - during in their build-up.