Scotland Head Coach Fraser MacKenzie Explains Selection Process. | |
02 October 2009 Scotland Head Coach Fraser MacKenzie is delighted with the strength of his squad for the shinty / hurling international against MacKenzie feels that the main difference to last year is the inclusion of some high profile players. He sad, “I think the squad is only better in terms of higher profile players. Obviously we have better fire power with Ronald Ross and David Cheyne but all the players we had in the squad last year would walk into any premier league side. Players such as Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae and Kilmallie’s John Stewart are fine examples of that. It is just that they are part of a team that is not as strong as the premier sides. With 3 new caps – Newtonmore hit-man David Cheyne, Newtonmore’s midfield powerhouse Paul MacArthur and Skye Camanachd keeper Jamie Gannon - in the squad, MacKenzie went on to explain the rationale behind the selection process. “Our job is to find the best suited individual players that can gel into a strong shinty / hurling unit for the international.” he said. “I am sure there will be people asking why we have players from sides such as Kinlochshiel or Lochcarron as they are not even in the top half of the first division and in Lochcarron’s case they are bottom. What people should be looking at is what strength these players bring to the international team. For example Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae is one of the most suited players to shinty / hurling as he is an athlete and can play at a very high tempo for the full game. Lochcarron’s Alan Mackenzie brings strength and controlled aggression; he is a great organiser and has one of the biggest hits in the game. His Lochcarron team mate Angus Mackay has great stamina and pace to react to dangerous situations he has been very close to winning man of the match in two of the last four internationals.” It is this meticulous planning and attention to detail from MacKenzie and his coaching team which gave the Scots the advantage in season’s international when many fancied a strong Irish side to take the honours. It looks as if the side will not be found wanting in terms of preparation this year either. |