MacRae earns national accolade

FinlayMacRae was named Marine Harvest National player of the year last night, giving the Wester Ross player the perfect preparation for today’s shinty-hurling international against Ireland in Inverness.

The 31-year-old has been an automatic choice for Scotland and his excellent season for Kinlochshiel has earnedhimthe national accolade, voted for by players and clubs.

Scotland manager Ronald Ross said: “Finlay’s been an outstanding servant to club and country. He can play in midfield or defence and has even played for his club as a forward. He’s a quiet guy who gets on with his business and sets an excellent example to his team-mates.”

Finlay’s two brothers, attackers Keith and John, join him in the Scotland side, the first time all three have figured since three years ago.

Ireland team manager Matt Lynskey said: “We’ve learned the Scots will pounce and profit from our mistakes and we need to be much more alert. It will again be a physical test but we’re ready to give a good account of ourselves.”

Scotland are going for their third successive Bught Park success in the 14th match at Inverness since the first in 1972.

Ross said: “We have freshened the squad, which is important, and it is no easy task picking a starting line- up. The longer the game goes on, the stronger the Irish become, so we need to ensure we start strongly.”

He will give a late fitness test to defender Newtonmore’s Steven Macdonald, who has a leg muscle problem.

Finlay MacRae: Outstanding servant