7 Apr 2009

Coach has high expectations for new crop

6:40 pm on 7 April 2009

Despite opting to leave a number of experienced internationals at home, the New Zealand men's hockey coach Shane McLeod says he still expects his young players to perform at the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

The Black Sticks are using the tournament to blood a number of young players ahead of next years Commonwealth Games and the 2012 Olympics.

They beat Pakistan 3-2 in their opening game and McLeod says just because some players are new to the team doesn't mean their aspirations should be any lower.

New Zealand play their second match against Egypt on Wednesday evening.