DAN HAS PINT TO PROVE ON HIS BIG DEBUT; TENNIS BRITS GEARING UP FOR DAVIS CUP.

Byline: NEIL McLEMAN

ANDY MURRAY has insisted pint-sized Dan Evans has got the bottle to handle his Davis Cup debut against Poland today.

The British No 5 was banned from the National Tennis Centre and had his funding stopped for four months after a drinks binge during Wimbledon last year.

But now the Brummie, 19, has been given the task of playing in the opening day singles of this relegation play-off in Liverpool.

"He is a lot more mature than the last time he was with the team," said Murray, who urged captain John Lloyd to pick Evans.

"It is a good opportunity for Dan to show he is ready to play on a big stage and under pressure."

Evans won an ATP Challenger event in March and has risen nearly 700 ranking places to 302.

He said: "It made me stronger, so it has probably helped. I will not do it again, I know that."

At 5ft 8in, Evans is a foot shorter than opponent Jerzy Janowicz (world No. 261). Murray faces Michal Przysiezny (678) first.

TV TIME: BBC2 from midday

CAPTION(S):

HOPEFUL Britain's Davis Cup team with captain John Lloyd HAVING A LAUGH But Murray is serious about Davis Cup success