SCOTLAND newcomer Neale Reid has a metal plate and pins in his body from his last experience of representative action with Ireland’s hurlers.
Today in Inverness he wants to be clutching the Marine Harvest quaich and not cradling his mangled forearm as he proudly makes the step up to the senior level.
A crowd of around 3000 is expected at Bught Park this afternoon to see if Ronald Ross’ men can repeat their victory over the green and whites from last year.
Glen Urquhart forward Reid, who used to line the pitch-side as a fan, now has the opportunity to realise a personal ambition by pulling on the hallowed dark blue jersey.
His graduation from the Under-21 side adds garnish to a flavoursome campaign in which he has already claimed a MacTavish Cup winners medal and a number of important top -flight goals.
Now he is hoping his day pans out better than his last Under-21 cap when he spent an agonising night in an Irish hotel room, waiting for a bone-mending operation.
“It is a real honour to get the call-up to the senior squad and I hope we can repeat what the senior side managed to do last year in Inverness. I played under Ronald Ross at Under-21 level and really enjoyed his approach. Unfortunately, in my last game, we lost by a few late points after the players had given so much in a great performance. I also broke my arm in the last minute, so I have the scars from this fixture – I am not planning on any more.”
Stonemason Reid required some time off work after he was flown back to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for an operation which required plating and eight pins.
Today, a lengthy stitching mark meanders the length of his forearm; a reminder of that sore night under the floodlights in County Clare.
Still, lessons learned, he cannot wait for the throw-in to today’s Marine Harvest international challenge with Jeffrey Lynskey’s men and is hoping to add to his trove of memories from the 2015 campaign.
“I am looking forward to it. In shinty, you need to be alert all of the time and keep the points ticking over. If you get chances to score, you need to take them.
“This season has been a good one for me. Winning the MacTavish Cup with Glen Urquhart after three years of trying was great. It was brilliant to see the look on the faces of the past players. It was as much for them as it was for us.”
Scotland manager Ronald Ross MBE knows home advantage counts for a lot in these double-headers and will be out to ensure the Scots follow the game plan.
This year’s double-header comprises two stand-alone games rather than the series format so each match can be handled individually.
“We restored some pride last year and we needed to,” said the Scottish boss. “Hopefully we can get the same buzz again.”
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