The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Scotland squad is fit and ready to face Ireland
Scotland manager Garry Reid breathed a huge sigh of relief yesterday as all his players reported fit and available to fly to Ireland for this Saturday’s shintyhurling international in Dublin.
Kingussie hitman Savio Genini suffered studs raked down the back of his legs at Kyles, but confirmed he will be fine.
Team-mate Calum Grant had three stitches inserted in an eye gash in the same game but will have the stitches removed before the flight so the full back can play for Scotland under-21s.
Reid said: “You worry about late call-offs when leading Premiership teams are still playing at this time of year – but calls and texts have revealed that we’re all good to go.
“Newtonmore’s Steven Macdonald is such a big player for us.
“It would’ve been a real blow if he withdrew. But he’s responded to intensive physio treatment and he’s told me he’s fit.”
Reid, the former under-21 boss who had a winning start as senior manager at Inverness last autumn, said: “I’ve made eight changes from last year’s squad and my choice has reflected the players in form.
“Craig Morrison is only 19 but he was in my thoughts last year and now he’s been scoring goals for fun for Caberfeidh, so he deserves his debut and can bolster our attack.
“Likewise, Savio Genini has scored freely for champions Kingussie and his form has earned him his opportunity.
“Donald Nixon of Kinlochshiel is a new face but has enjoyed a fine season in midfield while I have no qualms about Kingussie defender Robert Mabon stepping up from the under-21s for his senior debut.”
Reid explained: “These new lads have been playing so well that they’re brimful of confidence, which should help us.
“I think we’ve a good blend of youth and experience for our first trip to Ireland for several years.
“The Irish haven’t named their side yet and it’ll be interesting to see how many of their top players are included.”
The match will be played on a hybrid pitch at Abbotsford, the Gaelic Athletic Association’s £10.3 million new hurling centre in Dublin.
Reid added: “Hopefully the new blood can work in our favour.”