Hockey: Neal retains spot in Black Sticks lineup

Northland's Shay Neal has retained his spot in the Black Sticks men's team ahead of next month's World League semifinal tournament.

New Zealand men's hockey coach Colin Batch has named eight Olympians and several newcomers and said he hoped the combination of experience and youth would help create a successful team in Rotterdam.

Seven of those named have fewer than 20 caps, including junior World Cup squad players Kane Russell, George Muir and Jared Panchia.

"These three players had strong performances during the Korean test series and I think they have real potential," said Batch yesterday.

Simon Child and Brad Shaw made themselves unavailable for the World League.

Both players have indicated they will return for the Ford National Hockey League which is compulsory for all those vying for selection in the 2014 national squad.

The World League, held on June 13-23, is the new qualification tournament for the 2014 World Cup.

The Black Sticks are in Pool B and will face the Netherlands, Ireland and India in pool play.

Australia, Spain, Belgium are confirmed to play in Pool A, with the fourth team still to be finalised.

Black Sticks men's team:

Cory Bennett (North Harbour), Nick Haig (Canterbury), Andy Hayward (Midlands), Dean Couzins (Auckland), Blair Hilton (Capital), Marcus Child (Auckland), Jared Panchia (Auckland), Hamish McGregor (Southern), Phil Burrows (Capital), Alex Shaw (Auckland), Devon Manchester (Auckland), Kane Russell (Southern), Shay Neal (Northland), Arun Panchia (Auckland), Shea McAleese (Central), Stephen Jenness (Capital), Hugo Inglis (Southern), George Muir (North Harbour).