Scotland call-up for young defender Callan Hamill

Youth academy defender Callan Hamill has been called into the Scotland under-15s squad for an international friendly against England this week.

The match is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 16 at St George's Park (12pm kick-off).

Callan (14), comfortable at centre-half or full-back, has previous experience of pulling on the national colours.

Head of the youth academy Alistair Stevenson said: “Callan has been with us for four years, he stays in Bannockburn and goes to Graeme High School.

“He has been doing well and has been making progress over the last four years. He has steadily improved and now has international recognition.

“It is fantastic for him, it is great for the club and huge for the academy.

“We’ve had international recognition before with Ross Sinclair and Kyle Thomson, two local goalkeepers. They have both played for the national squads. We have one or two others bubbling under the surface too.”

Stephen Clarke is head coach of the national under-15s and has named a squad of 20 for the match.

Scotland's youngsters enjoyed credible victories over Italy and USA when they were last in action in a friendly tournament in Portugal in December. 

The players in this age group will contest the prestigious Victory Shield tournament later in the year.

“Callan played against Italy, Portugal and the USA in the three-country tournament,” Stevenson said.

“They won two games out of three and Callan captained the side on two occasions where he played the full game.

“He is a very good leader and very mature for his age. He is a good all-round player and we have him quicker and more intelligent in terms of how the game is played.

“Callan knows what is required of him. He is a bit of a student of the game in many ways and has a fantastic attitude.

“He is level-headed. The group get on so well together and they are pleased to see each other do well.”

Stevenson made sure to turn the spotlight on all the coaches who have helped with Callan’s development.  

“Different coaches have worked with Callan over the four years, so it is not just one person,” he said.

“Sometimes you don’t get the chance of a player like this out of the blue when they are 14 or 15. You need to have them early.

“We try to make it special for the players. We are a friendly club. A family club. And you enjoy seeing them progress.”