IRELAND’S SENIOR MEN’S hockey team have taken a major step to sealing qualification for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

Source: Koen Suyk/INPHO

A 4-1 victory over Malaysia in today’s World Hockey League play-off in Antwerp earned the Green Machine a fifth-place finish, which could prove enough to clinch a spot at the Games.

The final places won’t be confirmed until all the continental championships have been completed, however.

Two goals in the first ten minutes set Ireland on their way as Kyle Good and Peter Caruth both found the back of the net early on.

Ireland goalkeeper Davy Hare was called into action, before Malaysia wasted two big chances. In the 40th minute, Mitch Darling teed up Alan Sothern to make it 3-0.

Malaysia narrowed the deficit to two goals in the 55th minute, but Darling then added a fourth for Ireland via a deflected shot from Shane O’Donoghue.

IRELAND: Harte, Jackson, Bell, Gormley, Watt, Cargo, Sothern, Dowds, O’Donoghue, Darling, Gleghorne

Subs: Magee, Caruth, Shimmins, Carlisle, Good, Harte, Fitzgerald.

Here’s how the qualification works:

Source: To see enlarged image, click here