By James Nielsen, Highlanders FC
This weekend the Victoria Highlanders FC kick off the 2014 Premier Development League season with a familiar face.
Scottish native Blair Sturrock will return to the squad for a second season with the club after arriving in Victoria last season following several seasons with Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town FC.
Sturrock’s return improves upon an already experienced Highlanders roster that features 12 returning players from last season, and brings a total of four players with international experience under their belt to the team.
The veteran striker dealt with injuries throughout the 2013 PDL season that limited him to 10 games where he posted three goals and an assist.
“Blair is a proven player and showed great value to our squad last season,” said Highlanders head coach Steve Simonson.
“He overcame some injury troubles and seems to have entered this season fit and motivated so I’m looking forward to his presence on the park.”
Sturrock is looking forward to this season and a return to form after last year’s injury-riddled campaign. In addition to his improved health, the 32-year-old forward is excited by this season’s roster.
“I’ve come back and felt pretty sharp. I’ve been out pushing the body and running in the horrible weather in the highlands of Scotland, I feel like I’ve been able to keep a modicum of fitness,” said Sturrock.
“Potentially, I think we have a better squad and more depth than last year.”
Sturrock and the Highlanders return to Royal Athletic Park against the Whitecaps U-23 squad, Sunday (May 4) at 7 p.m.