The Hockeyroos have been dealt a setback ahead of the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy – Women 2009 tournament, with key defender Kobie McGurk undergoing surgery after suffering an ACL injury.

McGurk suffered the injury playing for her local club last weekend in Perth.

The injury is a blow to the Hockeyroos defensive structure for the Champions Trophy held in Sydney

Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said although the injury was a huge disappointment both for McGurk personally and the team overall, it was hoped she would recover in time for the 2010 Women’s World Cup held in Argentina in late August 2010.

“We are hopeful that Kobie will be back in the team in time for the World Cup,” said Murray.

Although McGurk is only 23 years of age, she is considered a key component to the Hockeyroos structure and has played 100 international matches.

Murray said the injury only added to the issues with the Hockeyroos defensive structure.

“Following the retirements of goalkeeper Rachel Imison and Angie Lambert, Bec Sanders, Emma Stewart, combined with the injuries to McGurk, Halliday and Attard, our defence is quite inexperienced. However it presents and opportunity for someone to step up,” said Murray.

On this occasion Airlie Ogilvie will be the player to step up and take McGurk’s place at the Champions Trophy.

Aged 21, Ogilvie is yet to play an international match and will make her debut one week prior to the Champions Trophy when the Hockeyroos face Germany in a two test series in Perth from 4-6 July.

Source: Hockey Australia