GWENT will be well represented on the hockey pitch at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester with three players being named in the 16-man Welsh squad.

Jamie Westerman who has played for Wales for the last four years will provide both pace-up front and experience to a squad who begin their campaign against Canada on Saturday (1pm).

Pakistan are next up on Sunday (7.30pm) with the old enemy England waiting on Tuesday (1pm).

Westerman plays club hockey for Whitchurch and will be joined by Welsh Institute of Sport athlete Josh Smith who impressed the board of selectors with his athleticism.

Cardiff-born Owen Griffiths-Jones who plies his trade in London makes up the trio. James Bainbridge who also plays for Whitchurch misses out although he does make the squad for the European Qualifiers in Dublin.

Head coach Mike Williamson admits though that it won't be easy for the Welsh. "I would be absolutely delighted to qualify from the group," he said. "We're up against some stern opposition and it's going to be tough."

Meanwhile, when the Games are done and dusted, a top two finish in the European tournament would mean automatic entry into the European finals to be held in Barcelona in September next year.

Third place would mean an early visit to Barcelona for a play-off to be held in September of this year.

Wales' main opponents at the European qualifier are Ireland, Austria andItaly. First match up for Wales is Austria who have always been hard to beat. Greece will follow and will be an unknown quantity.

They are hosts to the 2004 Olympics and many Greeks from around the world may be joining the team.