Following a week of intense training after returning from their continental clubs the men are ready for a crucial test against the 2005 World Championship bronze medallists.

Team captain Craig Figes will be looking to lead his team to a good performance in what is a rare opportunity for British fans to watch world class water polo in their own back yard.

A 9-3 defeat by Georgia in Tbilisi last month left the British men with a battle to finish in the top two of the three-team group and progress to the next stage of the competition - a two-leg play-off next October.

While Georgia provided no sterner a test than the British players find at their professional clubs across Europe, head coach Cristian Iordache knows Greece - coached by double Olympic champion Dragan Andric – will provide a different challenge altogether.

"This is the first time we'll have players of this quality playing in this country for such a long time," said Iordache.

"It will be another opportunity for our players to show what they can do against world class opposition and hopefully open doors for them to play at a higher level abroad next season."

Next July's home tie against the Georgians may well prove pivotal but the British team know any success against group favourites Greece will swing the odds in their favour.


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