Scottish under-17 squad announced

THE Camanachd Association has announced the 2016 under17 national district select squad who will travel to Ireland and take part in a playing tour against their hurling counterparts – Kilkenny under-17 squad and the under-17 Dublin development squad.

The annual tour, which has been taking place for over 20 years, sees the elite shinty players many of whom attended the previous year’s national development camp, make up the squad.

This year’s squad is: Innes Blackhall, Kilmallie; Scott Mackenzie, Lovat; Iain Richardson, Newtonmore; John Gillies, Skye; Jonnie MacAskill, Kinlochshiel; Sandy Elrick, Beauly; James Falconer, Kingussie; Ross MacMillan, Oban Camanachd; Andrew Morrison, Beauly; Lewis Montgomery, Inveraray; Daniel MacVicar; Oban Camanachd; Fraser Watt Inveraray; Robbie Brindle, Beauly; Iain Robinson Newtonmore; Cameron Sutherland, Ballachulish; Danny Kelly Lovat; Calum Grant, Kingussie.

Camanachd Association youth director Willie MacDonald said: ‘The district select under17 squad, and the tour itself are an integral part of shinty’s player pathway; it is the last opportunity for players to test themselves before preparing to step up to under-21 and senior level.

‘This year’s squad is made up of some highly skilful players, many of whom already hold spots in their own clubs’ first teams. I am in no doubt that we will see some excellent displays of shinty/ hurling skill.’

The team travel across to Ireland on Sunday July 24 and return on Wednesday July 27.