HOCKEY:Gene Muller has named one of the most youthful ever Irish senior international squads for next month's three-match series against France in Paris, reports Mary Hannigan.

Captain Linda Caulfield and several other experienced players, including Ciara O'Brien, Jill Orbinson, Fiona Connery and Eimear Cregan, have been omitted to give the coach the opportunity to watch the newcomers in action.

Armagh's Amy Stewart has been promoted from the under- 18 squad that played England last week, where she scored three goals in as many games, joining her sister Emma and two more Armagh team-mates, Hannah Bowe and Rachel Mulligan.

"This is a very young team with the majority of the team under the age of 21," said Muller.