Scotland Head Coach Ronald Ross has faith in his squad ahead of the Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling first test against Ireland at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 18 October 2014.
Ross believes his players are hungry to restore pride as they seek their first series victory since the new format was introduced in 2010. He has assembled a group of players “with something to prove,” and is certain they will give the Scottish fans plenty to cheer about against Ireland’s hurlers over the two-test series and hopes a refreshing blend of youthful energy and trusted experience can rejuvenate performance at the elite level, with Ireland having the better of recent cross-code exchanges.
Ross said, “What we have is, I hope, a fresh, youthful and hungry team. For me, everyone has something to prove and that is vitally important. I know that from playing in these matches myself. Results have not gone our way in recent times and we know the size of the task ahead but the players have been made aware that this is a stage for them to go out and prove to everyone just how good they are. Some of these players went over to Ireland with me way back at U17 level and I know exactly what they are capable of. What we need is for each player to try to win their individual battle and really give the fans something to get behind. There is some fresh blood in there and a fresh approach. We are looking forward to it and we just want to get started.”
Scotland captain Finlay MacRae agrees. He said, “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.”
Scotland manager Ronald Ross has recalled the experienced Gary Innes to his squad after a two-year absence. And the Fort William attacker is in confident mode. “The boys are raring to go now,” he said. “Obviously, Ireland have had better fortunes in recent times but this is a good squad and the players all want to show they can deliver at the highest level. There is a new manager and a different approach so we’ll be giving it everything we have to try to get a result.”
Lovat and Scotland keeper Stuart MacDonald spoke for the squad when he said, “At training on Saturday, everyone was looking sharp and confident. We are all looking forward to it now and I think, with the squad we have, we can do well.”
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 and tickets are available at the ground on the day or in advance at Eden Court Theatre - £10 adults, £5 concessions and U12s go free if accompanied by a paying adult. Discounts are available to Camanachd Association members. 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, 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)