McKenna preparing 16-man squad for Archer Shield clash with Orkney
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Tom McKenna is taking charge of the Caithness AFA select for Saturday's Archer Shield match against Orkney in Thurso.
The fixture dates back to 1935 but hasn't been played since before the pandemic. The islanders are the holders, having won on penalties at Dounby in 2019.
McKenna will have a 16-man squad and has been aiming for a good geographical spread from across the county.
The former Wick Academy boss, who is managing Castletown in Caithness AFA Division Two, will be assisted by Gavin Henderson, Alan Sinclair and Robbie Carbry.
“What I have tried to do is get a squad that will represent Caithness, although with some players being unavailable I've had to bring others in,” McKenna said.
Players selected include Luke Manson, Stuart Campbell, Aidan Reid, Andy Mackay and Ben Sinclair.
“Once you get the squad established, that's the hard bit out of the way," McKenna said. I'm really looking forward to it.”
The match kicks off at 2pm at the Dammies.
McKenna turned out for clubs such as Rochdale, Airdrie and Stenhousemuir during his playing career as well as having a spell in South Africa’s premier league with AmaZulu. He was head of youth at Clyde before moving to Caithness.
McKenna was part of Thurso's coaching team in the North Caledonian League for a spell after leaving Wick Academy.
Three years ago a young Caithness select travelled across the Pentland Firth for the annual clash. That one ended 0-0, with Orkney winning the shoot-out 4-2.
