THE Ireland women's team received a huge boost yesterday when the gifted young Dubliner Karen Nugent was declared fit to figure in the side to compete in the European team championship in Belfast next week.

The injury prone international, who had been ill for some months and whose career was considered to be very much under threat, has been named as second singles player to Ireland number one Gina Niland. US scholarship-bound Claire Curran and the experienced Lesley O'Halloran are also included.

Peter Lowther is the Irish team manager and Ireland's group also includes favourites Sweden, Iceland and Luxembourg.

Meanwhile, Pamela Scott Fashions are to mark 20 years of involvement with Irish tennis by. returning as sponsors of the Irish Close championships at Riverview from December 28th January 4th.