The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Lawries in contention
Paul Lawrie Golf Centre pair Craig Lawrie (72) and Sean Lawrie (74), and Moray amateur Jake Scott (75) are all in contention to claim one of the 13 qualifying spots available at the conclusion of the second round in the EuroPro Tour qualifying school stage one at the Carrick, Loch Lomond.
The Lawrie cousins had rounds of 72 and 74 to be joint fifth and eighth respectively. Scott is tied ninth after a 75.
Newmachar’s John Duff chose Caversham Heath, another of the six qualifying venues, and he shot a two-over 75 to be sharing 24th place. Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds is on course to return in time for his side’s Scottish Cup semi-final tie against Hibernian.
The Dons defender underwent an operation on a groin injury two weeks ago but his recovery is going well and McInnes expects to have the 29-year-old back before the Hampden game.
McInnes said: “I don’t want to put pressure onMark but he’s on schedule which is pleasing. He is back running with the physios and I’d say he is a couple of weeks away from rejoining the squad.
“He won’t play inthe next three games but he has a chance of making the last game before the split at St Johnstone on April 15.”
Niall McGinn trained with the first-team squad yesterday, while JonnyHayes will rejoin his teammates today following his first start for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 defeat by Iceland on Tuesday. McInnes expects both players to be available for tomorrow’s Premiership match against Dundee at Dens Park.
With four matches to go before the split and with his side holding an eight-point lead on thirdplaced Rangers, the Aberdeen manager knows it is important his players, who have taken 21 points from their nine league matches in 2017, continue their fine form.
McInnes said: “We’ve got four games before the split and three games in a week but it is always dangerous to look any further ahead than the first game which is Dundee.
“They’ve put in some good performances at home and got some big results to go with those displays so we are mindful of the threat they present and our full focus is on them. But as the games start to count down each game takes on greater significance and we want to keep our good run going. We’re playing well and in terms of effort the players can’t give any more than they’ve been doing for me every week.
“I’ve got options on the bench and I know the guys waiting for their chance are capable of going on to the pitch and giving me a performance. That breeds confidence but we’re not overconfident. We know we are capable of getting a result at Dundee but we also know we’re going to have to play well to get a result there.”