MacRae looks for improved showing

U21 head coach Alan MacRae is looking for an improved performance from his side as he named his pool for the meeting with Ireland U21.

This is Alan MacRae’s second year in charge of the young Scots.

He said: ‘The players have all come through a thorough selection process which has presented us with a strong, skilful squad who will hopefully entertain and look to restore some Scottish pride after last year’s disappointing result.

‘We are under no illusion that it will be a tough competitive match and both the coaching team and the players are looking forward to the challenge.’

MacRae is able to include 12 players who faced the Irish last year.

The new caps are Glenurquhart’s Lachlan Smith, Robert Mabon from Kingussie, Skye’s Ally ‘Cleodi’ MacLeod, Newtonmore duo Iain Richardson and Craig Ritchie and Fort William pair Alexander MacMillan and Calum Shepherd.

Scotland U21 from: Blair Morrison (Caberfeidh); Alexander MacMillan (Fort William); Arran MacPhee (Fort William); Calum Shepherd (Fort William); Nick Dalgety (Glengarry); Lachlan Smith (Glenurquhart); Scott MacLachlan (Inveraray); Innes Blackhall (Kilmallie); Savio Genini (Kingussie); Calum Grant (Kingussie); Rory MacKeachan (Kingussie); Robert Mabon (Kingussie); Barry MacDonald (Lochaber); Danny Kelly (Lovat); Iain Richardson (Newtonmore); Craig Ritchie (Newtonmore); Will Cowie (Skye Camanachd); John Gillies (Skye Camanachd); Ally ‘Cleodi’ MacLeod (Skye Camanachd).

Alan MacRae retains the same back-up team as last season.

Calum McLeod and Ian McDonald are assistant managers; Davie McVey is head trainer while Lorna Forsyth continues as physio.