Hockey chief executive Brent Deans believes Scotland’s chances of making next year’s World Cup in Argentina are well within reach following the draw for the qualifying tournament.

Scotland will face British rivals Ireland, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia and home nation Chile in a single pool competition in Santiago next April.

Only the overall winner will make it through to next year’s showpiece event in Rosario but despite being drawn again world No.5’s Australia Deans is buoyant about Scotland’s chances.

“This is not a bad draw at all, it gives us another opportunity to take on Ireland, and if we can win that one, there's no reason at all whey we cannot contest the final against Australia,” said Deans.

“With this draw we've got a good chance of advancing up the international rankings and also we'll be up against three countries we might meet in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.”