First Team
JIM GOODWIN RECEIVES THIRD GLEN'S VODKA MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD OF THE SEASON
2nd May 2024
Two of our finest up-and-coming talents headed for Turkey over the international break to represent Scotland in the UEFA Under-17 European Championships Qualifying Round.
Owen Stirton was rewarded with his first national team involvement following a stellar start to the season with the Young Terrors, whilst Scott Constable enjoyed his second stint with Brian McLaughlin’s side in three months, having initially cut his teeth with Scotland back in August.
The competition’s curtain-raiser saw the Young Team clash with Belarus – a match which frontman Stirton unfortunately missed out on due to illness. Fellow United starlet Constable featured from the off however, and would go on to play the entirety of the 90 minutes.
Three days later, Scotland secured their first victory in Group G, seeing off Kazakhstan. With Constable once again given the nod to start, Stirton would climb from the bench to make a significant impact. Just 15 minutes into his national team bow, the Baldragon Academy product rippled the net to give his side breathing space – the second in a 2-0 triumph.
On his debut dream, a delighted Stirton commented “I was disappointed to miss out on the opener against Belarus and I felt the trip didn’t get off to the best start, but to earn my first cap against Kazakhstan was a proud moment for me and my family.
“Then to go on and score made it even more of a memorable week – overall it was a fantastic experience to be in and around the international set-up for the first time.
The pair put further international minutes under their belt in the final match of the round on Friday, both being named in the starting XI to clash with Turkey. Despite an eventual 3-0 loss, midfielder Constable stressed the opportunities that have presented themselves are invaluable to him and his Young Terrors colleague.
“It wasn’t the ultimate outcome we were hoping for, but being chosen to represent my country in European Championship Qualifying was an honour”, said the 16-year-old.
He continued: “Having started in all three games, I had the chance to test myself against some of my most talented peers and add more caps to my name – something which makes my family and I extremely proud.”
Stirton and Constable’s inclusion in the Scotland U17s squad marks another significant milestone in their respective development pathways, having both being handed their first-team debut at club level earlier this season.
