MacDonald set to miss most of campaign due to injury

Former international attacker Liam MacDonald has indicated to Kilmallie that he may miss the greater part of the new season.

This is a major setback to the Caol club’s hopes of climbing the Mowi Premiership table after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, finishing three points ahead of neighbours Lochaber, who went down.

The 29-year-old, who skippered the Caol combine last season, is recuperating from knee surgery.

He said: “I’m getting physio treatment for strength and conditioning following the operation but I won’t be able to start running until May.

“It could take me a while after that to reach the necessary fitness.

“It’s difficult to put a timescale on being sharp enough.

“In addition, I have my wedding this summer and a visit to Australia to see my sister, so my commitments are piling up.”

Daniel Stewart, another key player, will also miss the start of the season as he is recovering from a hernia operation.

Fort William wing-centre Lewis Clark will miss their first Premiership outing in five years.

The Lochaber men face Kyles Athletic at An Aird in their opening fixture on March 7.

Clark will also miss their tussle with Oban Camanachd at Mossfield the following weekend.

Co-manager Victor Smith said: “Lewis is out due to work reasons, which is a blow to us as he has such a tremendous engine.”