Scotland U21 Head Coach Donnie Martin takes us through his squad ahead of the Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling international against Ireland U21 at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 29 October 2011.
Donnie Martin from Skye Camanachd and his assistants Ted MacDonald from Bute and Dave Stafford from Fort William have named a 19 man squad for the game.
1. Paul MacKay -Fort William (Joiner) – Paul was unlucky not to be included in last year’s squad but he has earned his call up after another good season at the highest level with his club. He is calm and confident and he is a great shot stopper. An excellent goalkeeper.
2. Calum Millar - Kyles Athletic (Farmer) – A strong, resolute defender whose second cap is well-earned after a successful season with Premier League leaders Kyles Athletic. One of only two South players in squad which is mainly due to injuries.
3. Stevie Stewart -Fort William (Joiner) - A powerful, aggressive defender and another playing at highest level. Stevie is reliable and determined and nothing will faze him. This is the second year in squad quiet lad who usually speaks with his caman.
4. Mark MacDonald – Kinlochshiel (Labourer) – Mark is new to the international scene after a successful season with his club. He is a strong, big hitting defender who is fully committed and looks to be well suited to the Shinty / Hurling game.
5. Daniel Grieve – Lovat (Joiner) - Another strong, no-nonsense defender with plenty experience. Daniel wins his second call-up and he is one of many good prospects from the Kiltarlity club.
6. Drew Howie – Lovat (Hydro Engineer) – Drew looks to have fully recovered from knee surgery. This is the third year of involvement for this solid, reliable defender and he will give his all to the cause.
7. Iain Nicolson - Skye Camanachd (Policeman) – Iain is back in squad after missing out last year through injury at the last moment. He is a utility player who is at ease in any position and he works hard at improving his game.
8. Conor Cormack – Beauly (Plumber) - Conor has recovered well from a broken leg sustained last year and he has fully earned his place. He is a strong running centre and he should be well suited to Shinty / Hurling. Conor is making his debut at this level.
9. Thomas Borthwick – Kingussie (Roofer) – Thomas is another debutant at U21 level although he has gained loads of experience at the highest level with his club. He is one to watch for the future and we have high hopes of him taking his current form and success at club level onto the International stage. He is the youngest member of squad having just been selected for the Scotland U17 squad.
10. Liam MacDonald – Kilmallie (Joiner) – Liam is a strong, free-scoring striker with his club and this is his second cap in what has been a successful season. He will be looking to form a good understanding with his fellow forwards.
11. Leighton Reid –Bute (Mechanic) - Leighton has had a tremendous season with his club, winning league and Balliemore cup. He is a good asset to squad and still has a couple of years left at this age group.
12. Neale Reid – Glenurquhart (Stonemason) – Neale is another free-scoring forward of whom much is expected. He has shown full commitment this season and has been rewarded with a call up. Neale still has another year at U21 level.
13. Liam Cameron – Kilmallie (Machine Operator) - Liam is another debutant and his call-up is well earned after good season with his club. He is a strong tackling and robust player who should make his mark as he has all the attributes to succeed at this game.
14. Ryan Borthwick – Kingussie (Plumber) - Ryan is another prodigy from the famous Borthwick family. He is the complete athlete who has shown that he can play where-ever asked and will not let anyone down. This is Ryan’s second cap.
15. John MacRae – Kinlochshiel (Bricklayer) - John has been in the squad for the last three years and he always shows complete commitment to training and never lets anyone down, always giving 110%. He has had a great season with his club who hope to make their mark in the Premier League. John is this year’s captain and he will lead with pride.
16. Alexander Ferguson – Lochaber (Student) – This is a first call up for Zander after success at U17 level. He can play in defence or attack and is a good asset to squad. He will learn a lot from his involvement and his commitment will stand him in good stead for future.
17. Callum Cruden – Lovat (Scottish Water Operative) – Callum is another big, strong lad who is making his debut. He is very athletic and can hit well off both sides. He has a great future ahead if his current progress is maintained. A lot expected from this talented youngster.
18. James MacPherson – Lovat (Joiner) – James is the final member of the Lovat quartet and his second call-up is well earned. He is another forward who will work well with other members of the squad. James has great ball skills and close control which will suit this game
19. David MacLean – Beauly (Plumber) - David has shown up well in all the training sessions and has earned his call-up. He will add strength and depth to the midfield and he is a strong runner and a good hitter.
The second test between the Scotland and Ireland senior sides takes place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 29 October 2011. The match starts at 2pm and, if you are unable to make the game, it will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland starting at 1.45pm.
The second test will be preceded by the meeting between the Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 sides who clash at 12 noon.
The day’s sporting feast begins with a Challenge Shinty / Camogie match between Scotland and the British Universities side and this starts at 10.30am.