Scotland boss Ronald Ross has confirmed that Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae will be his captain for the forthcoming 2014 Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling international series against Ireland.
Finlay MacRae is one of the most experienced players in the Scotland squad and the 29 year old has been involved in the international scene at U17, U21 and senior level for well over a decade now. He said, “I have been playing internationals for a number of years now and I think this is my ninth year at this level. The manager pulled me aside after training on Wednesday evening and told me I was to be the captain and it is something you want to do in your career, to lead out your country. It means a great deal to me. I know it is something I will always look back on and I was delighted when I was told.”
This is Scotland Head Coach Ronald Ross’ first Scotland squad and his selection blends a mixture of young and mobile players around some of the tried and tested senior figures. MacRae feels the blend is refreshing and is hopeful of a far closer contest this year. “There is a very youthful feeling to the side and a slightly different dynamic. Physicality is important but we also have a lot of young, fast players who are the best at their clubs. I was watching videos of some of the recent games and I think we will go into the series with a point to prove. There is a pressure and an expectation level that goes with playing for Scotland.”
MacRae, who is joined in the squad by his younger brother John MacRae, is one of the Scots most influential players and his versatility means he can play in defence, midfield or attack. He will be a popular choice as captain as Scotland look for their first international victory since 2009 – the year before the cross-codes fixture switched to a two-test contest.
Series Details
The 2014 Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International First Test will take place at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 18 October 2014. The throw-in is at 2pm. Anyone who is unable attend the game can watch the action live by tuning into BBC2 Scotland and TG4 in Ireland.
The Second Test takes place a week later at Pairc Esler in Newry, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 5pm and the Second Test will be broadcast by TG4 in Ireland and BBC Alba in Scotland.
Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 also meet in their Shinty / Hurling international at Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 3pm.
Scotland’s Senior Women face a Shinty / Camogie clash with a County Down select at Newry on Saturday 25 October 2014. Throw-in is at 1pm.
(Picture courtesy of Neil G Paterson)