The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Menzies caps off his U-turn
Scots selection seals it for More man who nearly took a year out
Evan Menzies came close to not playing shinty this year but his about-turn has been rewarded with his first international cap when Scotland face Ireland in Saturday’s shinty-hurling showdown in Inverness.
The Newtonmore player questioned whether he had the hunger to maintain his high standards and contemplated taking a year – but his persistence helped with a Premier title.
Menzies said: “It sets the seal on a treble-winning season but it could have been so different. Personal commitments were a problem for me, along with wondering whether my drive was still there to keep my form at its best level. I’d also missed a good part of the previous year through renovating my house, so it was tempting to take a break this year.
“But Newtonmore put pressure on me to come back and I’m really glad I had a change of heart. When it came to trying for selection for the Scotland squad, it honestly wasn’t something that was a big priority for me.
“The penny dropped when I was working with Scott Campbell, Rory Kennedy and Steve Macdonald and they were speaking about their international experiences. I realised it was a gap in my career and an opportunity to challenge myself at a different level.
“I’m now delighted to be included. I’ve played against the Kinlochshiel, Kyles and Lovat boys for so long, it’ll be unusual to play alongside them.” Menzies scored two goals in the Camanachd final last month to pick up his fourth Camanachd Cup winner’s medal and his sixth Premiership winning gong.
He added :”I’m glad to see fellow forward Andrew MacCuish, of Oban, getting his first cap. He’s the only one this season who’s given problems to Rory Kennedy, which is an achievement in itself.
“But I’m glad my clubmate Glen Mackintosh is also there as we work so well together. Some 90% of opposing teams set out their tactics to mark Glen that it’s left more space for Iain Robinson and myself to score goals.
“I played against Irish opposition at under-17 level but this is a much different proposition. It’s encourag- ing to see the group dynamic in our squad, which gives confidence for the game itself.
“It’s Ireland’s turn to provide the referee this year and the lads reckon that will be an advantage to the Irish as they know what a foul will be given for, just as having a Scottish ref was a benefit.
“I knew the basic rules but it’s been a case of paying attention to the detail. After not being bothered about it, I’m now really excited about playing for my country.”