Lovat’s international midfielder Craig Mainland has been told to choose between playing Highland League for Strathspey Thistle or playing shinty on one of the next two Saturdays.
The 26-year-old joiner, who previously had a Highland League spell with Fort William, has been turning out for Strathspey in recent weeks, but their postponed game against Huntly allowed Mainland to make his first appearance of the season in Lovat’s 4-1 home win over Fort William.
Mainland scored Lovat’s opening goal but will switch back to football for Strathspey’s midweek game with Brora Rangers.
Lovat manager Fraser Gallacher said: “Two of our players, Craig and Duncan Davidson, have been playing for Strathspey.
“Duncan has a hand injury sustained in the January 2 Lovat Cup match so he’ll miss the start of the shinty season anyway, although he’s been playing for Strathspey while wearing a special cast.
“Craig feels he can fit in both sports as much as he can but, having gained his first Scotland cap last October, he’s a key player for us.
“He wanted to play for Strathspey right up to our Premiership home game with Newtonmore on March 3, a sizzling opener for us.
“But that’s not on from our viewpoint.”
Gallacher added: “It was good to welcome Craig back against Fort when his football match was off.
“But I’ve now told him that I need him to play for us in one of our two remaining pre-season friendlies.
“He can choose which one, but he needs to fit in a second outing for us if he’s to be considered against Newtonmore.
“Craig is a naturally fit guy and he’s enjoying his spell with Strathspey, but he’s clear that his first commitment is to us and he’ll make up his mind, according to the football fixtures, as to when he fits in his second friendly.”
Mark MacLachlan, starting his first full season at the Kiltarlity club, helped himself to a double with Greg Matheson also on target.
Calum Shepherd scored for Fort William and co-manager Victor Smith said:”I was delighted with our performance, although Lovat were too strong for us.
“Greg Matheson’s goal must already be a candidate for goal of the season, on the touchline, from a tight angle, striking it with power.
“It was a superb piece of skill.”