Scotland Head Coach Fraser MacKenzie expects a strong challenge from Ireland in this year’s shinty / hurling international at Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 31 October 2009.

“The Irish team is a very big physical side,” observes MacKenzie “and the team is also a lot more experienced at shinty / hurling than in previous years.”

MacKenzie, who is a keen student of the game of hurling, is fully aware why the Irish have selected some of their players as they particularly suit the composite rules game. “Gareth "Magic" Johnston of Down stands at 6 ft 5 inches and 17 stone so he will prove a hand full.”

As MacKenzie runs an eye over the Irish pool, he has no doubt of their strengths. “This year’s Irish squad has 8 players from hurling’s top tier – the Liam McCarthy Cup. It includes 7 players from hurling’s second tier – the Christy Ring Cup - and 3 players from the third tier, Nicky Rackard Cup.”

MacKenzie is also aware of where the particular dangers lie. “The danger men of the team up front will be Antrim’s Paddy Richmond whilst his Antrim team mate Johnny McIntosh is also a player to watch. The team also has star men Shane O'Neill of Cork, Shane Dooley of Offaly – who is the manager’s son – and Joe Bergin who is also from Offaly.”