High hopes for Heather in Israel

HEATHER WATSON will hope that the young guard can take centre stage and propel Great Britain to Fed Cup progression in Israel this week.

A year ago, Watson was part of the four-player Team GB who secured qualification through Europe/Africa Zone Group One, but then fell short against Sweden in the subsequent World Group Two play-off.

On that occasion, though, she played just three doubles matches.

Twelve months on, she and fellow youngster Laura Robson will almost certainly be the team's two main singles players when the event starts today.

With teenager Johanna Konta and the experienced Anne Keothavong making up a team captained by Judy Murray, the Britons will have to negotiate a group that includes Portugal, Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina.