DELHI 2010: Mantell returns to scene of horror injury

By Sportsbeat staff

RICHARD Mantell is returning to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games - just six months after sustaining a horror injury.

IMPACT: England's Richard Mantell reacts in pain after he collided with Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan during their match at the men's Hockey World Cup. Now recovered he will return to Delhi for October's Commonwealth Games (Reuters)

Penalty corner specialist Mantell broke his foot in a group game against Pakistan in March's World Cup and watched from the sidelines as England went on to reach the semi-finals.

However, he insists the bad memories won't provent him turning a negative into a positive with England, finalists at the recent Champions Trophy, viewed as one of the leading medal contenders in India.

Recalling the injury, Mantell, who missed the last Commonwealth Games through injury, said: "I was screaming at Glen Kirkham to get the doctor on and when he partially put it (the ankle) back it was a slight relief. 

"But after coming off and being given oxygen and morphine, doctors put it back fully and that was excruciating - there was a bit of screaming and swearing then."

England last won a Commonwealth Games medal in Kuala Lumpur 12 years ago, finishing fifth in Manchester in 2002 and fourth in Melbourne four years ago.

The Games begin in Delhi on 3 October, with New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia and Wales in England's pool.

Seven of the 16 players, plus travelling reserves Ben Hawes and Jonty Clarke, were all part of England's set-up in Melbourne four years ago.  

But among the newcomers is Ashley Jackson, who won last season's World Young Player of the Years. 

James Fair, 29, is the oldest player selected whilst uncapped Harry Martin, from Ipswich, won't be 18 until nine days after the Games conclude.

"The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and we are thoroughly looking forward to Delhi," said coach Jason Lee.  

"The squad has made good progress in recent tournaments and we will look to continue that while competing for the medals against the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

"The Commonwealth Games will give our less experienced players, such as Harry Martin, the opportunity to experience a multi-sport event for the very first time while we welcome back the experience of Richard Mantell after his injury at the World Cup."

England squad for the Commonwealth Games:

James Fair (Cannock), Richard Mantell (Reading), Richard Smith (Loughborough Students), Richard Alexander (Surbiton), Alastair Wilson (Beeston), Adam Dixon (Beeston), Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead), Ashley Jackson (HGC), Robert Moore (Surbiton) Harry Martin (Old Loughtonians), James Tindall (Surbiton), Barry Middleton (HGC), Iain Mackay (Reading), Nicholas Catlin (Loughborough Students), Alastair Brogdon (Bowdon), Simon Mantell (Reading).

Travelling reserves: Nicholas Brothers (Reading), Benjamin Hawes (Surbiton), Andrew Bull (Brooklands MU), Jonathan Clarke (Reading).