The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
MacDonald fitness race for big game with Irish
Manager Rosswary as destroyer Dooley returns for visitors
Newtonmore centre half and captain Steven MacDonald hopes to be fit to play for Scotland in tomorrow’s senior shinty-hurling international against Ireland at Bught Park in Inverness.
Injury came as a surprise to the defender, who said: “I woke up in pain last weekend as I’d tweaked a leg muscle. I’ve had an anxious few days fearing I’d miss the international.
“I’ve treated the leg with ice everydayandalso taken tablets. It’s been slowly improving and now, fingers crossed, I’m all right.
“Having captained Newtonmore to three trophies this year, beating Ireland would set the seal on a great season. There is nothing to compare with games against Ireland. It’s high tempo and full throttle. We’ve prepared well and we’re certainly up for it.”
Scotland manager Ronald Ross is concerned at the reappearance of Ireland’s Shane Dooley. The big man from Offaly scored three goals and three points for a 12-point total at Inverness four years ago and also scored three goals two years earlier.
“Dooley caused us a great deal of bother but has not figured in their team in the past four years,” said Ross. “He’s so powerful and such a quick finisher that we’ll need to be very careful how we handle him.”
Ross is pleased with the potential of his newplayers and added: “Lorne Dickie had a very good season with Oban and is very clever on the ball, while Thomas Borthwick has been full of energy in the Kingussie attack. Greg Matheson may have not been fully fit for Lovat this year but he’s a natural marksman. Andy Mackintosh, the Newtonmore defender, has pace and attacks the ball and shintyhurling will suit him. We’ve got more competition for places this time and that’s healthy.”
Scotland won the international series last year, winning 24-14 in Inverness and losing 16-14 at Croke Park, but it now reverts to a single game.
“It’s been traditionally difficult for us to win over two games,” said Ross. “We went close to winning at Croke Park but the one game should suit us. Ireland are sending a stronger team this time and we know how difficult it is going to be.”
Lovat’s Kevin Bartlett scored 12 points last year and he and Kilmallie’s Liam Macdonald, who scored four points, will again carry the attack.
Scotland have been helped by the late withdrawal of brothers John and Noel McGrath of AllIreland champions Tipperary. But Michael Green, who played wing forward in Tipp’s triumph against Kilkenny, will make his senior international debut after playing for the under21s in Inverness last year.
Clare duo Cian Dillon, who also played for the under-21s last time, andDavid Reidy come in to the squad which will train at Bught Park after flying in at lunchtime today.
Eoin Reilly, of Laois, who has been an outstanding goalkeeper in the past two years, has been handed the captaincy for the match, which starts at 2pm.
“So powerful and such a quick finisher”