Caberfeidh are set to start their first Marine Harvest Premiership season with a triple headache.
Jodi Gorski, manager of the Strathpeffer side, said: “Midfield player Neil Mackenzie is not playing this year for work reasons, which is a disappointment.
“In addition, full back Ryan Simmonds is in Australia and not back until mid-March, so he’s likely to miss our first three games. Wing centre Jamie Mackintosh injured an ankle playing indoor football before Christmas and it is still swollen so he’s a doubt for the start.
“But although we could now do with a couple of extra players, our squad is very decent in terms of ability and I’m very happy with those lads we have. We face a big leap in standard but we’re ready to be positive and have a real go and see where that takes us.”
Gorski revealed that Malcolm Morrison has stood down as assistant manager and former Lovat ace Kevin Bartlett will play an enhanced role.
“Kevin will now help me on the coaching side as well as playing. He’s the only player we have with Premiership experience and that will be vital for us as he helps his young team-mates adjust to this level.”
Under-21 cap Craig Morrison, who skippered the Ross-shire men to finish runners-up in the National Division, has been given the honour of being captain as Cabers make history by playing in the top flight.
The Castle Leod pitch is waterlogged but tomorrow’s opening friendly with Strathglass will go ahead, being switched to an all-weather surface at Dingwall Academy as Cabers step up preparation for the Premiership.
Similarly, Mossfield Park is too wet but Oban Camanachd’s friendly with Inveraray will go ahead on the all-weather pitch at Oban High School.
Oban manager Ian Hay said: “We’re short at the back with Gary MacKerracher not playing this year and Scott Mackillop still waiting on results of a scan on his knee.
“But Daniel Sloss, Chris Macmillan, Craig Macdougall and Evan Maclennan will all be involved, having stepped up from Lochside Rovers.”
Colin Campbell and Craig Taylor, both recruited from Kilmory, will have their first outing for Inveraray.