The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shinty: Lovat boosted by Mainland’s return.
● Lovat midfielder poised to return as injury nightmare ends
Lovat midfielder Martin Mainland, who played only a handful of games last season through injury, is back in full training in a major tonic for the Kiltarlity team in their honours hunt in the new season.
New manager Jamie Matheson said Mainland will play in tomorrow’s home game with Skye if it beats the weather.
He said: “Martin is like a new signing for us.
“He’s finally recovered from his problem and is working hard to be ready for the new campaign on Saturday week.
“He’s an impact player and his strength really adds to our line-up.”
Mainland ruptured his cartilage in March 2018, and though he returned to the side, problems with the knee sidelined him for most of last season.
Matheson added that policeman Duncan Davidson’s injury is improving. He will miss the opening Premiership games but hopes to begin training in two weeks’ time.
Skye’s classy young attacker James Pringle is set to return after requiring surgery last year following a severe finger injury sustained against Glen Urquhart.
Co-manager Kenny Macleod said: “James came close to losing the finger but it’s now healed and he’s keen to make up for lost time. He’s shaping up impressively in training.”
Also making a return is injury-jinxed Newtonmore forward Conor Jones, one of the hardest strikers of a ball in the game.
Manager Orston Gardner said: “Conor was advised to give up the game but he’s looking very good in training. He’s a really committed performer and it’s pleasing to see him back and focused.”
The Eilean is unplayable and An Aird is doubtful for Newtonmore’s friendly with Fort William, with alternative venues being explored yesterday.
Champions Kingussie have appointed Rory MacEachan as their new skipper and manager John Gibson said: “Rory is young but he’s one of our more vocal lads on the pitch.”
Kings are due at Strathpeffer tomorrow and Caberfeidh still had hopes yesterday that the fixture can go on at Castle Leod.
“The pitch was in good nick in midweek, but we’ll see,” said Cabers manager Jodi Gorski.
Blair Morrison, the former Scotland under-21 skipper who gained his first senior cap in Dublin last October, has been chosen as Caberfeidh’s new captain.
Lochaber and Kilmallie, both of whom have yet to play, are desperate to find a playable venue for their BSW Cup tie.
Perth-based defender Michael Brady is set to return for Glen Urquhart in their MacDonald Cup clash with neighbours Strathglass at Drumnadrochit.
Newly-promoted Glasgow Mid Argyll are looking for an early warning on whether Kinlochshiel’s new Reraig pitch is playable before they make the long trek north.