The Camanachd Association sits down with Lovat’s Joe Embleton ahead of the Strathdearn Cup Final this Saturday at Farr.

Joe, an exciting game this weekend as Lovat take on Newtonmore in the Strathdearn Cup Final, how are you and the team feeling ahead of the fixture?

I’m feeling up fro the game and can’t wait for the occasion and the team are too. Think we’re all hoping for the same result as last year in the Strathdearn but maybe not as dramatic as last year’s final.

Newtonmore are obviously a familiar opponent for you with them also being in MOWI North Division 1, what are you expecting from them this weekend?

Newtonmore are a very physical team, so expecting them to come out very hard and strong this weekend and not hold anything back.

Last year Lovat won the Strathdearn after a crazy 4-4 draw after ET with it being 0-0 at FT! Were you involved that day and if so, what was it like to take part in such a crazy match?

Yeah I was lucky enough to be part of the squad that won the Strathdearn last year and it was some match. Thought we’d lost after we went 4-0 down in extra time but managed to pull it back and win on penalties. It was an unbelievable match to be part of, only wish it had been filmed that day.

You also take on Newtonmore in the Highland Industrial Supplies Sutherland Cup Final – that will be the 4th time you will have played this season and the 8th in 2 years – you must be sick of the sight of them?

Any game is a chance to play more shinty and facing the same opposing team frequently only makes us better players as it helps us improve as we can learn and progress from past games.

On a personal note, you obviously had a bad injury earlier this year – how have you recovered and how does it feel to be back involved in shinty again?

To pick up an injury so early in the season was gutting! Dislocating my kneecap has meant my recovery has been slow- rest and physio. Sitting at the sidelines has been frustrating as all I wanted to do was play, but now I’m back playing it’s a great feeling.