Simon Carr returns as Ireland name Davis Cup team to face Austria

Simon Carr makes a welcome return to the Ireland Davis Cup team to play Austria next month for a place in World Group I, the second tier of the competition.

The tie will be played as a best of five rubbers over two days at UL Sport Arena in Limerick on 3 and 4 February.

Tickets for both days have sold out with excitement building to Ireland's first home tie in nine years.

Announcing a team of five captain Conor Niland said: "I really believe these players have the mentality and mindset needed to get us a win.

"There is a great dynamic within the group and everyone has done their bit to get us this far. I am really proud to captain this team and I am looking forward to a challenging but also really special weekend for Irish tennis."

Carr will be joined on the Ireland team by Osgar O’hOisin, Michael Agwi, Conor Gannon and playing vice-captain David O’Hare.

The 24-year-old returns to the team after missing the tie against El Salvador in September due to injury.

"It’s very exciting to be back in the team," Carr said. "I’ve had various injuries so it’s been a difficult year, but I am fit again, playing well, and really looking forward to joining back up with the team for our first home tie in nine years".

The match will be a tough one for Ireland, given the potential strength of the Austrian team.

They are in a position to select the former world number three Dominic Thiem, as well as other top players Sebastian Ofner (world number 43), Jurij Rodionov (world number 111), and Filip Misolic (world number 145).

Ireland meanwhile will be depending on three of those who performed so well against El Salvador, as well as the returning Carr and Agwi, who has enjoyed some impressive wins against top-ranked players over the past year.

For Gannon,