AFTER LEADING his team to Camanachd Cup glory, Newtonmore captain Norman Campbell is hoping that he can help the national team to similar success.

He will lead the Scots in this year's shinty/hurling international series against their Irish counterparts in Athy in County Kildare and then at Bught Park in Inverness.

National boss Drew McNeil confirmed Campbell as captain for the clashes when he announced the squad on Monday, but there were no other names from the Badenoch giants.

Campbell said: "It is a huge honour to play for your country, so I am delighted to be part of this year's squad as captain.

"We have had a great 2011 season at Newtonmore, so, hopefully, I will be able to add the International Trophy to this year's successes."

Campbell had a very successful playing season this year, not only did he help the Blue and Whites to win the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup, but he was also awarded the Albert Smith Man of the Match medal in last month's game against Kingussie.

Newtonmore are still in the running for retaining the Scottish Hydro Premier League title, although Kyles Athletic still have the edge in the race being two points ahead with the same number of games played.

The squad will travel across to Athy, Co. Kildare to take on the Irish in the first test on Saturday, October 22.

The deciding second match will take place the following Saturday (October 29) at Bught Park in Inverness.

For full story see this week's Strathy