KIRRIEMUIR teenager Scott McKenna has been selected as part of the Lloyds TSB Scotland under-18 squad for the 2013 Centenary Shield, writes Eric Nicolson.
The 16-year-old defender discovered his selection at the final trial, which took place at Toryglen Regional Football Centre inGlasgow last week, and whittled down 34 young hopefuls to just a final18.
Opening their campaign away to Northern Ireland on February 22, the Scottish under-18 team face a trip to Wales before entertaining the Republic of Ireland and finally locking horns with England on April 12.
Although there are still two months before the Webster’s High School pupil gets to don the famous blue jersey, McKenna is just relieved his talents were recognised after injurycut short his chance to shine.
“I was a bit surprised to be selected because I came off injured in the trial and I wasn’t really able toplay much and I didn’t really get a chance to show what I was capable of,” said McKenna, who plays for Aberdeen.
“I knocked my head in a challenge and felt a bit concussed so I couldn’t really stay on.
“I played better in the first game and obviously they have seen what I can do from that so it’s nice to see they have had faith in me and my ability.
“I came along at thefirst trial and they put me at left-back and it willgive me a better chance to get forward and get some goals.
“It’s the first time I will represent Scotland and I am expecting the games to be a lot more physical because the other nations have a lot more people to choose from and are sometimes bigger and stronger.
“I am looking forward to all the fixtures and I hope to do well for my country.”
Head coach StewartTaylor, who has been involved with Scottish youth set-up since 1991, admits his latest troops have a great chance of repeating last year’s successful campaign.
He believes the likes of McKenna will benefit from their taste of international football whether they lift the 2013 Centenary Shield or not.
“Some of these lads have probably had the opportunity to turn professionalbut they have already declined the opportunity and stayed on at school,” said Taylor.
“We feel it’s only right that they get the chanceto sample international football of a high standard.
“I think it contributes vastly to their overalldevelopment, both as footballers and as young men as well.
“The feedback weget from the boys historically has always been great.”
Lloyds TSB Scotland, partner for the Scottish Schools’ FA, is delighted to support the Scotland U-18 schoolboys squad for their 2013 Centenary Shield campaign. For all the latest squad news, visit
scottishfa.co.uk/ssfa
.