Opting for the surface they know best, Tennis Ireland have named Riverview in Dublin as the venue for the centenary Davis Cup tie against Slovenia on April 30th and May 1st-2nd.

The alternative was Fitzwilliam, the scene of some memorable Irish wins, particularly the 1983 world group promotion success, on tennis quick, at the expense of Switzerland.

This led to the RDS showdown against John McEnroe's inspired US team.

However, the current crop of Irish players are more accustomed to the fast carpet courts of the Donnybrook venue. "The leading players' familiarity with the indoor surface at Riverview was a major factor," said Tennis Ireland chief executive Des Allen.

Ireland's probable number one singles player for the match, Scott Barron, is recovering from a tendon injury in his left ankle. It forced him to return home recently from the Indian circuit, but he hopes to regain full competitive fitness on either the Greek or Egyptian challenger circuits in a couple of weeks' time.

Since going professional as a teenager almost six years ago, the Dubliner has spent much of that time on the casualty list. He made yet another comeback at Christmas to win the Irish Open indoors title following a six-month spell of inactivity because of a knee injury.

He was again performing with considerable credit on the Indian circuit when his latest ankle injury ruled him out in the final set at the quarterfinal stage. En route he had beaten the number two seed, Britain's Martin Lee.

The first week in India proved another downer for the Irish champion when he was ruled out with a virus.

"I was playing well but at least I got a few results. Sure, it was disappointing but after having been out for six months I am well able to handle it," said Barron.