LAHORE, Dec 2: Spanish coach Maurits Hendriks has expressed that Pakistan and Holland are strong contenders for the Champions Trophy which begins from Saturday.

"But I wish my team plays the final against the home side," he told reporters at the National Hockey Stadium (NHS) after holding a practice session on Thursday.

He said that Pakistan had the home crowd and ground advantage while Holland possessed a better squad. He said though the National Hockey Stadium turf was slippery, it was not a matter of concern for him and his boys.

Hendriks claimed his team was missing A Tabo, a key player. "Pakistan fans may also miss Tabo, who scored three goals to help his side beat Pakistan in Athens Olympics." Meanwhile, Indian skipper Dilip Tirkey appears excited over his team's participation in the world's toughest hockey event.

Talking to journalists after arriving on Thursday, Dilip said though his team's participation came through the backdoor, it was a chance for the youngsters to prove their talent.

India has replaced Olympic champions Australia who pulled out on security grounds. About the chances of success of his team Dilip, said "if my young players click, we will fight for the top four positions."

However, he rated Pakistan and Holland as main contenders for the top slot. "No one can predict a win of any team in such a tough event but the home conditions will favour Pakistan while Holland is one of best teams," he said. He said that the eight-match series between Pakistan and India held in Sept-Oct helped his team to improve a lot.

INDIAN SQUAD: Dilip Tirki (captain), Adrian D'Souza, Devesh Chauhan, Sandeep Singh, Harpal Singh, William Xalxo, Viren Rasquinha, Vikram Pillay, Ignace Tirkey, V.S Vinay, Girish Pimpale, Prabodh Tirkey, Vivek Gupta, Adam Sinclair, Arjun Halappa, Sundeep Michael, Tushar Khandkar, Hari Prasad.

Manager: Jagbir Singh. Coach: Gerhard Rach. Physiotherapist: Sampath Kumar. Doctor: JPS Sidhu.