Hockey: Livermore keen to pick up his stick

North Harbour coach Darren Smith welcomes the return of Australian captain Brent Livermore to the Wellington side for the weekend's national league action.

Livermore, keen to pick up his stick after the disappointment of watching his team blow a 3-1 lead to lose the World Cup final to hosts Germany, is back for his fourth season with the Peter Miskimmin-coached side and will play a key role in tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash between the only unbeaten teams after four rounds.

"It is fantastic that he [Livermore] is here. It is good for hockey," said Smith who added he has no special plans for the Australian great.

Smith is more concerned with his own team, mindful that last season they fell away to finish fourth after topping the table in round-robin play.

Smith said: "We don't want a repeat. The players have trained well and this game will be a real test to see where we are at."

Smith has yet to settle on his starting line-up. The squad has been boosted by this week's arrival of Perth defender Darryl McCormack.

"I will look at where and when I play him," said Smith. "He looks a good solid player who can play at the back or in the halves."

Smith is also very aware of the threat posed by former international striker Umesh Parag, saying our back three will be keeping an eye on him.

Smith hinted that he was bemused by his team's schedule. North Harbour had to play away in Whangarei and Hamilton last weekend, are in Wellington tomorrow, Christchurch the following weekend and then back to Wellington for the finals five days later. Harbour have had just one home game all season.

Miskimmin will have returning Black Sticks goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex for the match but will not play James Nation who returns this weekend.

"I think the team are pretty even," said Miskimmin. "It will be a good measure to see where we both are at. Livermore will certainly help. He is the consummate professional and will probably play an attacking midfield role in this one."

The other key game this weekend will be played at Lloyd Elsmore Park tomorrow with third-placed Auckland hosting Canterbury.

The second-highest team in the goalscoring stakes with 21 goals (Wellington have 22), Auckland will welcome Simon Child into their attack.

The concern for coach Manoj Daji is in defence where they have conceded 11 goals in four games seven more than North Harbour.

North Harbour, who have been erratic in their four outings so far, should beat the Wellington side.

This afternoon, also at Lloyd Elsmore Park, leaders Canterbury meet fifth-placed Auckland in a key women's clash.

Auckland need points to claw their way into the semifinals.