Jack Dignan, who sustained a horror eye socket injury playing for Lochaber last May, is making a comeback and is ready to play in the new season.
There had been fears he would not play again but Dignan has undergone tests and been given the all-clear.
Manager Ally Ferguson said: “Jack is ready to resume training and be involved this year, which is excellent news for the lad and the club.”
The young wing back underwent surgery in Glasgow Royal Infirmary after sustaining a double fracture of his eye socket in the MacTavish Cup semi-final against Kingussie. He had vision problems for a while after his release from hospital but now has no ill-effects.
Not so good news for Lochaber is that full forward Ben Delaney, who helped them reach their first MacTavish final, is likely to be unavailable this season.
“Ben has told me that due to personal circumstances he won’t be able to train or play this year, which is a disappointment,” said Ferguson.
“I hope that his situation might change and that he could make a comeback later in the season but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Delaney, son of former manager Michael, finished the club’s joint top Premiership marksman with Stuart Callison.
The Spean Bridge club will, however, welcome back former attacker Conor Sweeney, who starred with Tayforth in last year’s South Second Division.
“Conor was in the final year of his exams in Edinburgh so he played for Tayforth as their Musselburgh ground was convenient,” said manager Ferguson.
“But he’s now clear to rejoin us for the new campaign, which is a boost.”
Sweeney starred as Tayforth won the Bullough Cup, scoring twice against Bute, one against Glasgow Mid Argyll, one and a converted penalty in their shootout win against Lochside Rovers and then a double in their 4-3 win against Kilmory in the final.
Winger Zander Ferguson, who missed the bulk of last season through exams and travel, will also be available regularly this season and his pace will be a big asset. Zander has been appointed club captain, with international Shaun Nicolson as vice-captain.
Lochaber flirted with relegation last season, finishing third bottom but Scotland assistant coach Ferguson said: “We had an excellent attendance in training this week and I’m really looking forward to the new campaign.
“We were without six or seven players for various reasons most weeks last season but we’re hopeful of being much more fortunate in that respect this time.
“Neil MacDonald and Lachlan Campbell retired at the end of the season and they will be helping out the second team.
“I’m pleased to again have Gemma Docker, Harry Macdonald and Alan Macdonald completing the management team.”
Lochaber come out of cold storage with a friendly at Newtonmore on February 4.
