July 18, 2006	Tuesday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 21, 1427

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LAHORE, July 17: Pakistan hockey coach Asif Bajwa said on Monday inclusion of Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmad was a “positive sign” but their performance would be under scrutiny at Champions Trophy.

He said both players had proved their form and fitness during a short training camp in Abbottabad before being included. But, he added, they had to prove their worth for World Cup.

Pakistan leave for Spain to participate in Champions Trophy to be played at Terassa from July 22 to 30.

"During two years, Sohail and Waseem played league matches in Europe. But there is a big difference between league matches and international events. Their form and fitness will be under scrutiny to see how useful they are for the World Cup in September,” coach told reporters.

Sohail and Waseem came out retirement early July. They had called it a day soon after the Champions Trophy in Lahore.

Asif said he had marked three grey areas in the team during last Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, but added inclusion of the pair, especially Sohail, would help team improve at least in two areas.

"Inability of goal-scoring, deep defence and short corner conversion are the weak areas. But Sohail is quite able to improve the performance of the team in the last two areas," Asif said.

Asked Sohail had been criticized as a weak deep defender, Asif claimed the player had improved.Asif said, like Pakistan, all the teams would be vying at the Champions Trophy to win and the same case was with Pakistan, but he avoided predicting any result.

"My target is to win but I will not make tall claims. However, I will assure the nation, the team will display its best in the Champions Trophy.”

Asif expressed concern about the forward line, saying it comprised mainly on youngsters.

He said injury to Mudassir Ali Khan, three-match suspension on captain Mohammad Saqlain and six-month ban on Tariq Aziz were the main cause for weakness in forward.

He said Olympic champions Australia and the Netherlands were tough rivals, while hosts Spain would be having home advantage, adding that fitness level of the team was “excellent”.

Pakistan face Spain in a practice match on July 20 before featuring in the Trophy. The team leaves for Terassa on Tuesday.