Riet Kuper's Irish women's hockey squad get their preparations for this summer's European Nations' Cup Finals under way in Barcelona this week where they play Germany (once) and Spain (twice) over the next three days.

The three nations have been drawn in the same pool for the European finals, making this week's games particularly useful for Kuper, who brought the squad to Barcelona on Saturday for a week-long training camp.

One player who did not travel to Spain was former England under-21 defender Maria Merrigan who has withdrawn from the panel for the year because of exam commitments at Loughborough College.

The Irish play Germany, bronze medallists in last year's World Cup, today before taking on the hosts tomorrow and Wednesday.

Friendly Internationals (at Barcelona) - Today: Ireland v Germany, 3.0. Tomorrow: Ireland v Spain, 4.0. Wednesday: Ireland v Spain, 12.0.