PETER WRIGHT, the Irish non-playing tennis captain, will not allow his players to be dictated to by Belarus strategy in this weekend's Davis Cup tie which starts today at Riverview.

Wright, the head coach at the University of California, is aware of how this important tie can be won or lost by tactical variations.

"We have respect for our opponents but irrespective of their approach, we will be attacking them with a forceful game."

In order to follow through on Wright's smash-and-grab doctrine, Scott Barron and Owen Casey will be obliged to play more serve and volley and generally get into the forecourt more often than is normal for both players.

"I am confident in the ability of our players to beat Belarus using offence as the best means of defence."

Wright is unlikely to digress from his pre-match plan, which is to play full-timers Barron and Casey in singles and doubles over the first two days. Doubles pairings can be changed within a specified time prior to tomorrow's start and indeed, Belarus are to introduce their number-four player, Evgeni Mikheev, ranked 628 in the world, at this crucial juncture.

In the event of Sunday's reverse singles turning out to be "dead rubbers", debutant Tommy Hamilton, or Eoin Collins, could be drafted into the action.

There was a precocious ring to Hamilton's, almost-cheeky European Team Championship debut at the same venue last year. He indicated then that he is totally undaunted and at home on the big day.

The draw worked out in Ireland's favour yesterday with Scott Barron, the Ireland number one, going on against Maxini Mirnyi, the Belarus number two, who has a world singles ranking of 363.