Ireland Hockey: Bethany Harper and Chloe Watkins return to squad for Olympic qualifiers

Watkins has won 237 caps for Ireland

Bethany Harper and Chloe Watkins return to the Ireland women's hockey squad for January's Olympic qualifying tournament in Valencia.

Harper, formerly Bethany Barr, returns after missing the Tokyo Olympics with anterior cruciate knee ligament damage.

Watkins, who took a break from international hockey, last played for Ireland in October 2021.

They replace Caitlin Sherin and Caoimhe Perdue, who were part of the EuroHockey squad in the summer.

Ireland will face Belgium, Ukraine and Korea in the Pool stages of the qualifiers, which begin on 13 January in Spain.

They require a top-two finish to progress to the semi-finals where three of the four countries will gain places to the Paris Olympics.

Harper's last game for Ireland before her injury was in March 2021, in a three-game series against Great Britain at Queen's as preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

She and Watkins, who has won 237 caps for Ireland, were involved in the squad that took part in the Five-Nations Tournament last week in Valencia.

Head coach Sean Dancer expressed his delight at having the experienced duo back in the squad.

"We are excited to have Beth Harper and Chloe Watkins back with us, after extended time away for injury and work," Dancer said.

"They join seven other players that where part of the team that qualified for the Olympics in 2019. They add valuable experience that we will need.

"As a whole group we have used September to December to prepare differently. We have seen an increase in competition for places, which is credit to the group's progress and individuals' determination to succeed.

"We have done all the hard work, and we are now ready to go and compete."

Harper is one of five Ulster players in the squad alongside Katie Mullan, Ayeisha McFerran, Katie McKee and Charlotte Beggs in the 18-strong panel.