Hadfield ‘hungry for more’ after Scotland debut

Sean Hadfield reflected on his Scotland senior men’s debut and declared: “I’m hungry for more.”

 

The Grange goalkeeper claimed a shutout in the 4-0 victory over Italy on Sunday as Scotland came out on top in a Four Nations Tournament featuring two countries eight and nine places ahead of them in the world rankings.

 

The 23-year-old, who has graduated through the age-groups, starting at under-16 level, to the full squad had to wait until the final game of the 90th anniversary tournament in Gniezno before getting his chance.

Sean Hadfield

And he had to make two key saves early on before Scotland netted through Michael Bremner which caused the Italian side’s heads to go down.

Kenny Bain, who celebrated his 150th cap, Willie Marshall and Cammy Fraser, Hadfield’s captain at Edinburgh club side Grange, completed the scoreline.

 

The 6ft-plus keeper said: “The early saves got me into the game and after that I’ve had busier days. It’s been a long road from age-group hockey through to this.”

 

Hadfield also underlined the confidence-boosting nature of the success in winning the event to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Polish Hockey Association.

 

France are ranked No 17 in the world and Poland No 18 with Scotland in 26th position. Italy are No 34 in the world and Hadfield said: “We drew 2-2 with France and then beat hosts Poland 5-4. I got the nod for the final game and it was a great experience to play for the senior side.

“I was with the squad recently in Lillieshall when we beat the Great Britain under-23 side but did not get on. Being down there and away with the squad in Poland has helped be feel part of this. I sat out the first two games here before playing and I would love to play again but that is a decision for the coaching staff.”

 

Two other Edinburgh players earned their first senior caps on the trip, the first international competition for the squad which is building for the World League, Round One, in Glasgow in September. Another debutant was Ed Greaves who bagged two goals over the games.

 

Former Grange player Duncan Riddell, who currently plays for Grove Menzieshill, and ex-Inverleith player Patrick Christie (Durham University) also featured in all three games in Poland.

 

Both players enjoyed the experience and it was an early birthday present to be capped for Christie who turned 19 on Monday.

 

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