Dundee United boss Peter Houston is hoping to see one of his former players come of age as a Scotland player tonight.
Houston is one of Craig Conway’s biggest fans, having seen the winger play a starring role in United’s Scottish Cup victory last year as well as terrorise defences regularly during his time at Tannadice.
Now down at English Championship side Cardiff City after moving on in the summer, Conway has been catching the eye for the Welsh club during recent months.
His form has been rewarded with a late call-up to Craig Levein’s squad for tonight’s friendly against Cyprus.
Scots assistant boss Houston won’t be there himself, of course, after choosing to give the game a miss to stay at home with his United squad. However, he will be wishing Conway well when he tunes in to the TV this evening.
”I’m delighted for Craig and I hope he does well if he gets a game,” said Houston. ”He has been doing really well for Cardiff, playing every week for a team that’s winning plenty of matches in the Championship.
”Craig is a cracking player. He was great for United and deserved his move when it came along.
”Everyone here is thrilled to see him as well as Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben go to England and make their mark.
”With Craig’s form for Cardiff he deserves a place in the national squad. I know how hard he works at his game and with his pace and ability to get the ball into the box he is an asset to any team.
”He attacks defenders and they never know whether he is going to throw it in with his left or cut back and do it with his right. He is a very exciting player to have.”
Conway signed for the Tangerines from Ayr United before moving to the bigger stage and Houston reckons his story is an example for others to follow.
”It is great to see a boy who started in the lower leagues do well and go on to win a place in the Scotland squad,” added Houston. ”His example should encourage other guys to realise what can happen if you work hard at it.
”It proves that if you are doing well then it will be noticed the same goes for the likes of Gary McKenzie, Craig Samson and Ryan Stevenson who also got late call-ups.”