Kyle Hosford's return boosts Ireland road warriors

Ireland head coach Mark Keenan has expressed his delight at having Kyle Hosford back in the international fold as his side prepare for a double-header against Switzerland and Azerbaijan to conclude their 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup pre-qualifying campaign.

Ireland, who occupy second spot in Group A, face table-toppers Switzerland this evening and then make the long trip to Baku to take on Azerbaijan on Sunday.

Group winners automatically advance to qualifying proper, with the best second-ranked team from the three groups also progressing.

Luxembourg and Armenia currently edge out Ireland for that coveted spot, while Ireland's record against the bottom team in their four-team group will be discarded as the other pools each contain just three teams.

"We've a massive two games ahead," Keenan said as he oversaw practice in Switzerland on Tuesday.

"Everything is channelled to Switzerland right now, a quality side who run a lot of different actions on the offensive end. So we'll have a lot of emphasis on defence."

Ireland have significant injury-enforced absentees, with pre-qualifying leading scorer Taiwo Badmus sidelined, missing his second window in succession, and Aidan Igiehon also ruled out.

Sean Jenkins does return to the fray, while the decision of 35-year-old Hosford to come out of retirement is a huge boost to Ireland's immediate prospects.

"Kyle has been putting in some great performances for his club, UCC Demons," Keenan enthused.

"We needed another natural point guard in the team, so he was the obvious one to call up.

"We're delighted to have him back. He played here a couple of years ago, so he's not going to be fazed by anything.

"It's unfortunate that some guys have injuries, but there are opportunities for everybody