Loch Ness are wary of choices Nairn County can make
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LOCH Ness manager Shane Carling is warning his players to be ready for a fit, high-energy Nairn County side in tomorrow’s away trip.
The Highland League club’s young team beat Inverness Athletic 3-1 in their North Caledonian League 2 opener, while Loch Ness marked their senior debut with a stunning 11-1 demolition of Scourie.
Nairn have indicated to the league they intend to use mainly reserves and youth talent this season, but Carling is wary of their ability to draft in first team assistance within the rules.
He said: “They are classed as Nairn’s reserves and, from what I gather from their game against Inverness, it was all the young ones who played.
“But they can put first team players in there if they wish, especially at the moment with no Highland League action.
“They went and beat Inverness at the weekend, so what do they do? Do they stick with the winning side or do they look at our good result against Scourie and add in a few first team players?
“That’s the advantage Nairn has. They’ve effectively got a pool of all their reserve players and their first team – a massive squad – which makes it unpredictable for us and the rest of the league.
“The reserves are all 18, 19 or 20 – young, fit and training through the week.
“At our level, you’re never sure who will turn up for a session, but if you play for Nairn County you have to turn up.
“These guys have energy and all they do is run and run. It is never going to be easy for us against a team like that.”
