Ireland v Scotland – Match Preview. | |
30 October 2010 The first leg of the senior Shinty / Hurling test between Ireland and Scotland takes place at Croke Park on Saturday 30 October 2010. Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil has completed his detailed preparations for the game and is ready to do battle. “The senior side is the culmination of a shinty pathway which sees our best players progress from U14 to U17 level and then onto the U21s before reaching the senior side. Many of our current squad have taken this route and it important to me that all shinty players strive to play in the senior team. We have a strong squad this year and I’m pleased with the players’ commitment” Turning to his opponents. McNeil said, “Tommy Walsh and Gareth Johnston showed what good hurlers they were last year. Shane Dooley was also amongst the points and scored the winning goal in Inverness. Barry McFall was the Irish U21 captain last year and there are others such as Paul McCormack who played in 2009.” In fact Ireland have 6 players from the senior 2009 winning side with 3 hurlers gaining promotion from the victorious U21 team but McNeil, who has tasted international success as a player, can also point to experience within the Scot’s ranks. “We have players who can attack with the ball on the ground such as Ronald Ross, Gary Innes and Shaun Nicolson. This could be key as I believe our defenders can deal with the Irish aerial threat.” The international between Ireland and Scotland at Croke Park starts at 4.45pm and the second test is at the Bught Park, Inverness a fortnight later. |