LIAM Sanford and Dan Kyriakides, both new additions to the Great Britain/England squad, have signed for Reading Hockey Club, writes Dave Wright.

And they will be joined by two fellow internationals, Scotland’s Lee Morton and Wales’ Ben Francis.

One or two more newcomers are also being lined-up, at a time when the Blues are close to announcing their new head coach.

Sanford and Kyriakides are among nine new faces in GB’s 27-strong squad which also includes Reading forward Tom Carson.

They recently helped GB to lift the Azlan Shah Cup for the first time in 24 years in Malaysia Full-back Sanford switches from Team Bath Buccaneers and the RAF, while Wales defender Kyriakides was previously with Cardiff & Met.

Midfielder Francis, another of the Dragons’ squad, has played for Exeter University and Swansea City.

Morton recently helped Paisley side Kelburne win the Scottish championship for the 12th time in a row as well as the national cup.

The forward is one of is country’s most promising young players and will become the third Reading member of the Blue Sticks squad, along with goalkeeper Tommy Alexander and defender Timmy Atkins.

Speaking about Morton, Alexander said he “could not be more excited” about him joining Reading, adding he will being “serious skills” to the team.

Last weekend they were in the side that lost 4-1 to world number four ranked Netherlands in Amsterdam as Scotland warm up for the World League semi-finals in London starting on June 15.

More good news for HA Cup holders Reading is that highly-experienced defender Rick Mantell is expected to return for one more season.

He has been seriously thinking of stepping down from the Premier Division.

Player-coach Andy Watts and Jonty Clarke have left and one or two more of last season’s squad are also expected to depart Sonning Lane in the weeks to come.