Claymores name lone Scot

Peter Sochart gears up for training camp

The Scottish Claymores have named just one Scot in their shortlist of 10 UK-based players hoping to make it the final squad for the coming season.

Peter Sochart, a one-time Scottish Highland Games champion, missed all of last season through injury, but played with the Claymores the season before that.

The tight end is among those who will attend a mini-training camp in Florida at the end of February.

Eight will then be invited to the Claymores' full pre-season training to try to make it on the squad.

English wide receiver Jason Byworth has been tipped to fill the gaping hole left by club legend Scott Couper.

We're looking for Jason Byworth to step up into Scott Couper's role and for Pete Sochart to make an impact

Claymores head coach Gene Dahlquist

Rowelle Blenman, who is looking to return for his fourth season with the Scots having previously played for the now-defunct London Monarchs.

Others include defensive end Rob Flickinger, running backs Warren Keen and Kofi Campbell, offensive linemen Gavin Collins and Nick Burns and another former Monarch in defensive lineman Tom Tovo.

Head coach Gene Dahlquist said: "We have a very strong national defensive contingent and the challenge for our offensive hopefuls is to rise to the benchmark our defensive players have set.

"We're looking for Jason Byworth to step up into Scott Couper's role and for Pete Sochart to make an impact after being out for the past year.

"Warren Keen has very good speed, Kofi Campbell has outstanding running instincts, Nick Burns is a quality young prospect and Gavin Collins also did well in Frankfurt and caught my eye."

The Claymores' final squad will be decided by the end of March.

They face Barcelona Dragons in their first game of the 2002 NFL Europe campaign at Hampden on Sunday 14 April.