Hibs’ striker Oli Shaw is excited at the prospect of potentially being involved in two massive games for Scotland under-21s as they seek to qualify for next year’s UEFA European Championships.
It is the yougster’s first call-up at this age level having previously been involved at under-17 and under-19 level, and he will have familiar faces Ryan Porteous and Stevie Mallan alongside him in the squad.
The Scots face Andorra at Tynecastle on Thursday 6 September (7:30pm kick-off) and the Netherlands on Tuesday 11 September (6:30pm kick-off).
Scotland currently sit in fourth place in their groups on eight points. Group leaders England are on 16 points, leaving it as a three-way slog between the young Scots, third place Ukraine, and the Netherlands on 11 points in second place, to secure a potential play-off
Shaw said: “I am buzzing with the call-up and I am really looking forward to it. When I got the call-up my family and everyone I knew were proud of me and it was a proud moment for me to receive the call-up to play for my country.
“Being in the camp is exciting and Ryan and Stevie have been in before and they’ll show me the ropes. I have worked under Scot Gemmill before and I know a lot of the boys there, so it will be good to meet up and play with them and I am looking forward to the experience.”
“They are massive games, and kind of must-win games too. Andorra will be a hard test and Holland will be even more difficult as well.
“Playing at under-19 level will stand me in good stead. I have played against different cultures and styles, even the club’s European run will stand me in good stead for playing internationally for your country.
“I am hoping that I can get some game time, get the experience at that level and hopefully a goal to help the team on the way.”
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. There is a group offer for 20 children and 5 adults for just £30, and Scotland Supporters Club members are able to enter the match at Tynecastle Park free of charge using their membership card.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
