AN IRVINE squash player will be among those representing Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games this summer.

Men’s Doubles talent Stuart Crawford, raised in Irvine, is one of three athletes announced to be joining the team last week, following their nomination by Scottish Squash and Racketball and ratification by CGS.

Currently based in Edinburgh, where he is the assistant national squash coach, Stuart is a five-time Scottish Champion, most recently in 2011, and has amassed more than 70 international caps, competing at four World Championships.

In 2012 and 2013, he reached the semi-finals of the European Men’s Team Championships alongside Alan Clyne and Kevin Moran, both of whom are also on the team.

Stuart will team up with Greg Lobban, from North Kessock, at Glasgow 2014 in the Men’s Doubles, building on their successful partnership as winners of the 2014 Scottish Open Doubles Championship and runners-up in the British Open Doubles Championship.

Scottish Squash National Coach Roger Flynn said: “The competition for Team Scotland’s second Men’s Doubles Squash pairing throughout the selection period has been fierce but the team of Greg Lobban and Stuart Crawford has been working extremely well together and their selection caps a wonderful year to date for them.” The Minister for Sport and Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison said: “Team Scotland is really beginning to take shape. You can feel the anticipation building towards the Games. The Commonwealth Games is an opportunity for athletes to give their all for Scotland on the world stage and making the team is a great achievement.

“Years of practice, coaching and dedication – in the courts and with the apparatus - will be on show come July and I know the whole of Scotland will be behind our athletes all the way. I would like to congratulate the athletes on their selection and wish them all the best as they make their final preparations for the Games.”