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Kinlochshiel Captain Keith MacRae Happy To Step Up To The Senior Scotland Squad. | |
20 October 2011 Kinlochshiel captain Keith MacRae is happy to step up to the senior Scotland squad for the Shinty / Hurling international double-header with Ireland. Speaking on local radio station Cuillin FM ahead of the game, MacRae said, “I’ve been on the stand-by list for a couple of years now so it’s good to get into the full squad this year. I’ve previously played a few times at U21 and at U17 level so the game isn’t new to me.” MacRae has not played since Kinlochshiel completed their Marine Harvest North Division 1 programme with a 100% record following their 7-2 win over Lochaber on 3 September 2011. “My fitness is still good. You have to work hard to maintain it after the club games are finished and it has been a few weeks since ‘Shiel last played. There has been a lot of digging deep and staying motivated and I’ve been going jogging at nights with my brother John who is in the U21 squad.” With older brother Finlay joining him in the senior squad and younger brother John captaining the U21 squad, it is quite an achievement for the three brothers to all be involved in the international set-up. “Yes, we are pretty proud,” said MacRae. “All the boys in both squads are top-class players so it’s great to be involved and our ‘Shiel team mate Mark MacDonald is in the U21s too so that’s four payers from the club included.” MacRae can’t wait for the action to start. “I really enjoy those games. I don’t know if it is because it’s different. You really need to keep the ball on the ground as anything in the air suits the hurlers. You of course also get the experience of playing for your country as well.” The Ireland and Scotland senior sides meet at Athy, Co. Kildare in the first test on Saturday 22 October 2011. The match may be streamed live over the internet by Irish channel TG4. There will be delayed coverage of the match on BBC ALBA at 4pm on Sunday 23 October 2011. The second test between Scotland and Ireland takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 29 October 2011. The match starts at 2pm and will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland if you are unable to make the game. The second test will be preceded by a Challenge Shinty / Camogie match between Scotland and the British Universities side which starts at 10.30am. The Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 sides clash at 12 noon. Click on the following link to book your ticket for a full day’s action https://www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/shows/marine-harvest-shinty-hurling-international |