MYLES BETTER
Beerman’s used to stepping up and that’s why he can handle the heat of a Hampden Old Firm semi says Maltese mentor Gatt MYLES BEERMAN’S Maltese mentor always knew he would come of age after watching him hold his own against players two years older as a kid.
Former national team keeper Robert Gatt saw the rising Rangers star pitched into Under-17 international action as a raw 15-year-old and he wasn’t fazed in the slightest.
So Gatt isn’t surprised to see Beerman earn rave reviews for his two top-team team displays in Pedro Caixinha’s side.
And the 67-year-old is convinced 18-year-old Beerman, a graduate of the Manchester City academy, will handle the heat of next week’s Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final if he’s called upon.
Gatt, the Maltese FA’s technical director for the last six years, said: “Myles has represented Malta in every age group at youth level, playing alongside players who, in the main, were two years older.
“In September 2013, when Myles was still 14, we noticed he possessed all the attributes of a future footballer.
“We called him to join our Under-17 national squad which was largely made up of players who were 15 and 16. In February 2014 our Under-17s played in an international tournament in Rome and Myles played a part in all three games.
“He was the youngest player of the tournament and his performances then also left a very positive impression on Italian scouts. In May 2014, as host country, Malta played in the UEFA Under-17 Final Tournament.
“Myles made his debut in the second half of the opening game against England and went on to play against the Netherlands and Turkey where he played the full game.
“Although he was two years younger than most of the players in this tournament, Myles performed very well.
“I believe that experience must have helped him a great deal as international games enrich players’ experience as well as their self-confidence.
“Myles showed he was a talented footballer technically, with a very good left foot, agile and a quick thinker. Above all, he had great passion for football and also showed great determination and commitment during training.
“It is our policy to promote the best players, irrespective of their age.
“Besides his footballing abilities, Myles doesn’t shy away from a challenge and demonstrated that he could handle the pressure of playing at international elite level.
“Naturally, Rangers v Celtic is one of the most attractive fixtures in British football and it would be great to see him play in that.
“He relishes challenges. The greater the challenge, the greater his determination.”
CATHRO PLOTS A JAMBOS BUILDING PROJECT PAGE 70