Aussies bank on secret weapon

Govers,a striker who also doubles up as an attacking midfielder,has a total international exposure of three matches. He made his debut for the Kookaburras on January 29,in a three-match series against Korea,as part of preparations for the World Cup. His selection is a remarkable story of hard work and determination,as he came back from a chronic career-threatening injury to make his way into the elite squad within six months.

His is a fascinating story,a great example of coming back from a setback and proving himself in such a short time, Charlesworth told The Indian Express. He had a bad hip injury and had to undergo surgeries. He had to work really hard and compete against the best to be included in this squad,so he has to be good, Charlesworth said.

However,he refused to admit that Govers was an unknown commodity. He played in the junior World Cup,so he has international experience,he isnt exactly raw. But he will be playing his first major tournament at the senior level so you can say hes not as well-known as some other players, Charlesworth said.

The most surprised,however,is perhaps Govers himself. At the 2009 junior World Cup in Malaysia where Australia finished with bronze,Govers had to play with five painkillers in every game. He underwent a second surgery post that tournament and only regained enough strength and fitness to get back to the field towards the end of 2009. he was then included in the 2010 development squad,considered the stepping stone to the main squad. But even he wouldnt have expected that step up to come so soon. Till about six months back,the second of four hockey-playing brothers from New South Wales had difficulty in even lifting up his leg,recovering from a surgery to shave his right hip bone because the ball was unable to rotate smoothly in the socket. It was ripping my cartilage apart. I had surgery in 2007 when they shaved the bone,then last year they took out more cartilage and spent two or three hours re-sculpting the bone, Givers had been quoted as saying after his selection.

What is even more amazing is the fact that the person he has displaced happens to be one of the seniormost players in Australian hockey. Brent Livermore,with 318 international caps,has been an important member of the team for more than 10 years now.

Charlesworth was not willing to reveal much about Govers,knowing the youngster could well turn out to be his teams trump-card in the tournament. But he admitted he was special. He is really,really special. As a player,he brings a lot to the team, Charlesworth said. I cannot say much,but when you see him play you will see why he is considered a special talent. Apart from his other skills,Govers also gives the coach the option of executing set pieces,being able to flick the ball with accuracy.