Magnificent seven are in frame for Scotland selection
Scotland international team manager Garry Reid has selected a provisional 33-player squad ahead of this year’s shinty-hurling international against Ireland with nine of the named pool coming from the Badenoch area.
Mowi Premiership leaders Kingussie have the biggest representation with seven players - Alexander Michie, Calum Grant, Dylan Borthwick, Robert Mabon, Rory McGregor, Ruaridh Anderson and Savio Genini - named whilst Newtonmore are represented by international regulars Rory Kennedy and Steven Macdonald.
The inclusion of Kingussie top scorer Dylan Borthwick surprised no one and Garry Reid said: “Dylan is a young player who has been on fire this season.
“He has great anticipation, playing on the edge and is always looking for second balls and that’s an attribute we need for shinty-hurling.
“He’s a confident lad and his finishing power means he seems to score with almost every chance he gets.”
Dylan Borthwick was not the only Kingussie forward to win a place as he is joined by Savio Genini and Ruaridh Anderson.
Reid explained: “Savio Genini is more than just a goal scorer.
“He has fantastic strength, and we need players like him to hold the ball up and bring others into play.
“Ruaridh deserves all the plaudits that come his way. He’s one of the best, if not the best, players in the game.
“His work rate and his ability to see a pass makes him a player that every opposing team tries to stop.”
Kingussie’s defensive qualities have also been recognised by the Scotland boss with keeper Rory McGregor as well as defenders Robert Mabon, Calum Grant and Zander Michie taking part is the sessions.
He said: “The Kingussie defensive line make such a big contribution to the team’s success. They are very strong at the back and that sometimes goes unnoticed.
“There are a lot of good goalies out there and Stuart MacDonald, Cameron Sutherland and Rory McGregor are three of the best. We’ll only take one goalkeeper to Ireland though.”
Over at Newtonmore, Rory Kennedy was no sooner in the squad than he had to withdraw.
Reid said: “Rory is on holiday when the international takes place unfortunately, so we are without him which is a blow.
“Steven Macdonald is there again though. It’s so important to keep things fresh for each international but that said, the experience is vital too and the likes of Steven Macdonald, Finlay MacRae and Roddy Macdonald have that in abundance.”
There were some players who just missed out as Reid acknowledged: “James Falconer was very close to being selected.
“He’s a super player and did well last year.
“He’s missed a chunk of this season through injury but looked excellent for Kingussie in the Macaulay final.”
The shinty-hurling international takes place in Ireland on Saturday 26 October 2024 with the venue to be confirmed.
Scotland Provisional Squad from: Angus Renwick, Euan Maccormick (both Beauly), Blair Morrison, Craig Morrison, Kevin Bartlett (all Caberfeidh), Lachie Shaw (Fort William), Calum Morrison (Glasgow Mid Argyll), Conor Cormack, Donald Nixon, Duncan Matheson, Finlay MacRae (all Kinlochshiel), Alexander Michie, Calum Grant, Dylan Borthwick, Robert Mabon, Rory McGregor, Ruaridh Anderson, Savio Genini (all Kingussie), Roddy Macdonald, Scott Macdonald (both Kyles Athletic), Ben Delaney (Lochaber), Craig Mainland, Danny Kelly, Greg Matheson, Stuart MacDonald (all Lovat), Rory Kennedy, Steven Macdonald (both Newtonmore), Andy MacDonald, Cameron Sutherland, Daniel MacVicar, Daniel Sloss (all Oban Camanachd), John Gillies, William MacKinnon (both Skye Camanachd).