The Irish men's hockey squad wound down their preparations for the European Nations Cup in Italy next month with two defeats by Belgium (4-3 and 4-1) in Brussels over the weekend.

The Belgians, semi-finalists in Dublin four years ago and retaining several influential figures, showed their stronger finishing ability. There was wariness, though, in the Irish camp of not risking injury before the 18-man panel for Padova was confirmed by coach John Clarke.