Murray won't give up on cup - Hutchins - Sport in brief

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This weekend's Davis Cup defeat to Ukraine, Britain's third straight loss in the competition, means John Lloyd's team face another year outside the elite World Group, and - should they fail to beat Poland in a Euro/Africa Zone Group One play-off in September - they could even find themselves scrambling to stay in the second tier of the competition.

Murray could be forgiven therefore for losing his enthusiasm for the competition, but Hutchins, who partnered Colin Fleming to a courageous doubles defeat on Saturday, said: "He's keen to play, that's for sure. He loves playing for his country. I saw him last week; he wasn't well. And he will be back to play."

He added: "People always say 'selfish' and all this stuff. But if he was fit, he would've played this tie and I think he wants to play the next tie.

"There's no doubt in my mind he's a good guy to have around in the team."

On the evidence of this weekend's tie, which Ukraine won with a day to spare, Britain need Murray just to survive in Euro/Africa Zone Group One.

The team contained three rookies, only one of whom - local boy Fleming - appeared to have what it takes to compete at this level.

But Lloyd believes even fellow debutants Josh Goodall and Chris Eaton, ranked 192 and 383 respectively, could be capable of winning rubbers in the future.

He said: "Our job, and all the guys here with the experiences they've had, is to take the level up a notch so that we can grind some of these matches out."