Scotland’s men’s hockey side boosted their hopes of competing at next year’s Commonwealth Games by capturing bronze at the World Cup qualifiers in New Zealand.

Russell Garcia’s side missed out on a place at the 2010 World Cup after going down 2-1 to China, 8-0 to New Zealand and 3-2 to Malaysia.

But Scotland bounced back to defeat Austria and Wales before downing China 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 finish to claim third place.

The squad are ranked ninth out of Commonwealth nations after claiming the final spot on the podium - with the top eight guaranteed a place at Delhi in October.

And defender Ross Stott insists the squad are desperate to secure a passage to India next year.

"We hope to go to the Commonwealth Games and do the same there,” said Stott. We just need to keep doing what we're doing- get fitter and stronger and gain more experience as a team."