The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shiel’ s kids are all right
● Boss Gill ready to give promising players opportunity to shine
Kinlochshiel will have their version of the ‘New Faces Show’ by giving teenage talent its chance in their final two Mowi Premiership games, starting with tomorrow’s tussle with Newtonmore at Balmacara.
Andrew Mackenzie, aged 18, a defender from Glenelg; Archie MacRae, aged 15, a forward from Achmore, and Arron Jack, also 15, a centre line player from Dornie, will all be involved with at least two of them in the starting lineup.
Shiel manager Johnston Gill said: “These are anything but ‘nothing at stake’ fixtures as far as we’re concerned. We’re using them to give these promising players the opportunity to play against good teams, with a view to being in our first team squad next season.
“Two years ago we blooded Duncan Matheson and Duncan MacRae and they have since gained such experience that they’re now the first two players on my team sheet.
“It’s important to create a pathway to the first team and these lads deserve the chance to show their potential.”
Archie MacRae is the younger brother of former Shiel attacker Oliver MacRae, now at Glasgow Mid Argyll, and Archie scored four goals in the recent MacMaster Cup final triumph over Oban.
The Wester Ross club’s final fixture is at home to Oban Camanachd on November 2, when both teams will be weakened by having players in the Scotland squad in Dublin that day.
Newtonmore welcome back Jamie Robinson but Fraser Mackintosh remains a doubt with a back strain.
The Eilean men will again be without midfielder Steven Macdonald who is recovering from a shoulder injury and targeting being ready for Scotland’s trip to Ireland in two weeks’ time.
Manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “Steven is making good progress and although this weekend is too soon, he may play for us next week to test his fitness before the international.”
Andy Mackintosh serves a one-game suspension while Glen Mackintosh and Iain Robinson are out for the season.
Caberfeidh wrap up their season with a trip to Tighnabruiach to face Kyles Athletic, who have the biggest backlog with four fixtures still remaining.
Strathpeffer manager Jodi Gorski said: “I’ll have to bring in players from the second team.
“Scott MacLachlan is suspended while Ally Maclennan, Ben Macdonald, Robbie Brindle, Calum Maclennan and James Macleod are all unavailable.
“So we’re stretched.
“The club is delighted to have three players in the Scotland senior squad for the first time and although Kevin Bartlett, Craig Morrison and Blair Morrison will play against Kyles, we’ll whip them off if there is any suggestion of a knock.”
Kyles manager Dunky Kerr has a full squad to choose from. certainly