Ireland's new Davis Cup captain Conor Niland says he's targeting promotion ahead of his side's Euro/Africa Zone Group II opener against Belarus this weekend.
The Eastern Europeans won the countries' encounter last year, also at this stage of the competition, 4-1 in Minsk. "It's more or less the same line-up," Niland told Newstalk's Oisin Langan, "they've got a good side and we know quite a bit about them."
Limerick's Sam Barry - who Niland says "is more than capable of within two singles matches for us" - will lead the Irish team with Mayo man Daniel Glancy as number two.
They will be joined by doubles specialists James Cluskey and David O’Hare for the tie which takes place at Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club from tomorrow through to Sunday.
Stand for #DavisCup is in. 6 days to go till Ireland v Belarus. Get your tickets today on http://t.co/kTXqY6QHrw pic.twitter.com/azahxJiSmy
— Tennis Ireland (@Tennis_Ireland) February 28, 2015
With Louk Sorenson already out through injury, Ireland suffered another blow when James McGee declared himself unavailable as he intends to travel to Indian Wells to participate in the qualifying draw which starts next Monday.
"It would be great for him to be involved this weekend but it's James' choice," said Niland. "We have to respect that and just move on."
Niland also reckons playing at home in Castleknock will "make a big difference" and that Ireland should have "an advantage".
He continued: "We've been in Group II of the European/Africa zone - this would be our fifth year in a row - so obviously it would be nice to be involved in at least a play-off this year. To get up to Group I would be a good place for Irish tennis.
"Since 2010 we've had representation in the main draws of five grand slams. Before 2010, we hadn't anybody for 25, 30 years. So to have three guys (Niland, McGee and Sorenson) in the main draw of grand slams is definitely progress, I think."
The winners this weekend will face a second-round match against either South Africa or Turkey July 17-19.
The AIG Irish @DavisCup team at tonight's official dinner. Don't they scrub up well!!! pic.twitter.com/qdOwXEA5AW
— Tennis Ireland (@Tennis_Ireland) March 4, 2015
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