Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil and his coaching team are making their final preparations ahead of the Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International against Ireland at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 13 November 2010.
“Firstly, when we meet-up on Friday for our training session, we will endeavour to knock-out any lingering euphoria from Croker,” said McNeil. “We will look to get everyone focused from 1pm on the Friday and ensure they hold that focus until the final whistle on Saturday.”
In an interesting insight into how the team prepare for the game, he added, “Just as in Dublin, we need the squad relaxed, comfortable and confident in the game plan; underneath the surface, their game face will be ever present. It’s a battle of the mind until the players cross the white line.”
It has been a whirl-wind couple of weeks for the Scotland boss as he looks to digest the information learned from the first game. “It’s been a challenge getting myself prepared for the second test as I basically had 8 months to prepare for the first test and from my point of view that match was one dimensional. I had no idea what the Irish team would be; I had no idea of the team system they would employ (3-3-2-3-3 or 3-2-3-3-3) and no insight into their tactics, ploys, strengths or weaknesses. The first game was all about us with no other outside influences.”
“The second test match is now three dimensional leaving me feeling rushed. However thankfully, Mr Dooley has the same predicament with his side. It’s a welcome challenge for us all in the international set-up.”
The Scotland v Ireland International will not be shown on television so the only way to see the action is to come along to the game!
Tickets for the match are priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions with under 12s admitted entry free of charge.
The Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International between Scotland and Ireland at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 13 November 2010 starts at 2pm and will be refereed by Deek Cameron. There will also be a Shinty / Camogie clash between the Scotland Shinty Squad and the Scottish Universities Camogie Squad which starts at 12 noon.