Shinty: Michael Clark happy to be on cup trail with Kingussie

When decorated Kingussie legend Michael Clark stepped down from first-team duties at the end of 2008, the days of shinty finals appeared to be behind him.

That's why the 42-year-old is out to savour every minute of today's Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup final in Aberdeen against Kyles.

These days, Clark's match-day pressures are different. His principal role this afternoon will be as an on-field father figure, guiding the Kingussie second-string through what is, for many of them, their first national showcase. Nevertheless, wing centre Clark admits the old butterflies will start to flutter again like days of old as he takes the King's College Field in front of First Minister, Alex Salmond.

"I must admit I didn't think I'd play another final after I stopped playing in the first team. However, it will be just like any final for me, equally as important," said Clark, also the Dell Club's groundsman.

On the park, he and Kevin Thain are trusted with developing the next generation of Kingussie first-team players.

"When we played first team, every game had to be won, from first to last. It was the Kingussie way and we are trying to instill that mindset again so these players are ready when they step up."