Ethan can be new Fletch

Wonderkid Hamilton is on the same path to the top as Scotland skipper Darren

RICKY SBRAGIA has hailed Manchester United kid Ethan Hamilton – and revealed he has already had a pep talk from Scotland star Darren Fletcher.

The Scotland Under-19s boss hopes the Old Trafford teenager can be a key player for him this week in the Czech Republic as they attempt to qualify for the European Championships this summer.

Hamilton, just like idol Fletcher, moved straight from Edinburgh boys club Hutchison Vale to United.

And Sbragia is convinced the 18-year-old midfielder has the tools to be a top player in the future for club and country.

Fletcher, who spent 12 years in United’s first team, has been advising Hamilton and the Under-19s gaffer insists he could have no better role model.

As Sbragia prepared for games against Austria today, the Czechs on Friday and Hungary next Monday, he said: “Ethan is a real talent. He went from Hutchie Vale to Manchester United and I know they have high hopes for him there.

“He’s really developing as a man now. I met his family a few weeks ago and had a chat with them – he loves it at Old Trafford.

“He has a good build, he is a left pegger and really wants to play for Scotland. He was keen to come away with the squad, which is important.

“Ethan’s a lovely lad and the people I know at Man United tell me he’s a great pro already. Now, he needs to play international football.”

Having worked with Fletcher at United when he was a coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, Sbragia knows all about the midfielder’s qualities as a player and as a person.

That’s why the Under-19s boss was delighted to hear the West Brom skipper had taken young Hamilton under his wing.

Sbragia said: “Fletch is everything you want a footballer to be.

“He came and played in the reserves for me at United and it wasn’t a problem. He’s a great example to young players.

“Darren spoke to Ethan when he first went down to England from Edinburgh. And if you ever want to model yourself on someone as a pro, it would be Darren.”

The Scots Under-19 side haven’t qualified for the Euro Championships since 2006 when a team that included Robert Snodgrass, Steven Fletcher and Graham Dorrans lost to a Gerard Pique and Juan Mata-inspired Spain outfit in the final.

They’ve failed at the Elite Round stage for four tournaments on the spin but have a chance this week against the hosts, Austria and Hungary.

But Sbragia is taking nothing for granted ahead of the group opener against the Austrians in Zlin today.

He said: “There are no easy games at this level. We’re trying to qualify and if we can get to the Finals in Georgia, it would give everyone a boost.”