DAVID SMYTH of Annadale has had to withdraw, because of shin-splints trouble, from the Ireland hockey squad which goes to Holland today for the annual round of training matches against leading club sides. The first game tonight is against Bloomendaal.

The 17-man panel will also be involved in meetings with HC Amsterdam, Alkmaar and HGC The Hague before returning home on Sunday, after which the 16 players will be named for the World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Cagliari, which starts on September 29th.