Scottish football fans have reason to be optimistic as their young guns came through the Elite Round to be one of eight nations to qualify for the European Championships in May. The squad has come through two rounds of qualifying to make it, winning five games and losing just one on the way to qualification.
Their journey started on the 19th of September 2007, at in Kirkcaldy at Starks Park (Raith Rovers FC’s ground) where they were convincingly defeated 4-0 by Slovakia. After the game, journalists and supporters alike were dismissing the youngsters’ chances. However, the young Scots defied the critics by beating Liechtenstein 8-0 at Almondvale (Livingston FC’s ground) and Belarus 5-1 at Broadwood (Clyde FC’s ground). These two wins took them through to the Elite Round of the competition, to determine if they would qualify for the Euro Championships in Turkey.
The squad then travelled to Northern Ireland for three games which would decide their future in the competition. At Belfast they faced hosts Northern Ireland and ripped up the script and won 3-1 with a double from captain John Fleck and a Robert McHugh goal.
The squad then moved on to Newry where they had a double header against Wales and Slovenia. A 1-0 victory over Wales, with a goal from Archie Campbell which sent the Scots to the top, and they only needed a draw going into their final match with Slovenia.
They accomplished their aim, and more. A solitary John Fleck goal was enough to win 1-0 and send the Scots through to as they now turn their focus to the May tournament in Turkey. They will aim to emulate the Scotland Under 19 side which made it all the way to the European Championship final in 2006.
Tartan Army fans will be on the lookout for future heroes, as many players look to make the step up. One player to do that is Steven Fletcher who was in that Under 19 side of 2006. The Hibs frontman was called up to the senior side this week and is expected to get his first cap in the friendly against Croatia on Wednesday night.
More and more of the Tartan Army are now increasingly aware of the success of the younger teams and attendances at these games are increasing because of the higher standard of the young sides. Many see the young Scotland international teams as the overall standard of Scottish football and success in the younger sides seem to be making their way to the top as the senior side continue their success – ‘Long May It Continue’ is the cry from the Tartan Army.
Lion Rampant Sports 
