Livermore on comeback trail

Brent Livermore, the second most-capped player in Australian field hockey, is to return to the national team for next month’s four-match home series against Holland, Hockey Australia said yesterday.

Livermore, 32, who has played 289 internationals, was named in the squad by new coach Ric Charlesworth after missing this year’s Beijing Olympics with injury.

Livermore suffered a fracture in his left foot ruling him out of his third Olympics.

Despite speculation that he may retire, Livermore said he was looking at playing on until at least next year’s Champions’ Trophy in Melbourne.

If Livermore’s return is successful, he will have the opportunity to break Jay Stacy’s record of 319 international matches and become the most capped Kookaburra.

Australia face the Dutch in Western Australia from January 20-25.