Not since the Matt Doyle-Sean Sorensen era has an Irish tennis captain been able to call on two full time circuit players for prime singles places, yet top US collegiate tennis coach Peter Wright, who doubles as Ireland's non-playing captain finds himself in that enviable position ahead of the weekend's European team championship at Riverview.

Wright will call upon Scott Barron and Owen Casey, who, barring injuries or sudden loss of form, are likely to be Ireland's sole representatives throughout the three days.

Luxembourg's Johnny Goudenbour presents the major singles threat this evening in Ireland's opening match of the four-nation competition. The experienced 33-year-old will be gaining a 48th cap and Wright reckons him to be a real danger.

Ireland's second match is against Poland tomorrow, while Monaco, powered by Christophe Boggetti, provides the opposition in what could be the key match of the series on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Gina Niland has had surgery on her left foot and will be in plaster for six weeks.