FANTASTIC BEAST
SCOTLAND WELL ON HIS WAY TO TOP THE SQUAD
SCOT GEMMILL last night dubbed Jake Hastie a “beast” as he lauded the whizzkid’s ability to frighten with his finishing. Gemmill has rewarded the Motherwell teenager for a string of impressive performances with his first Scotland Under-21 call-up. Hastie, one of 11 uncapped players set to face a friendly double-header against Mexico and Sweden this month, has five goals in his last eight games. The 19-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Alloa, is reputedly being tracked by Celtic, Rangers, Hull, Middlesbrough and Leeds but has gone on record saying he is keen to sign another Well deal. And Gemmill praised the Steelmen for putting a shift in with a player now widely recognised as one of the country’s hottest young properties. He said: “Of course we have known about Jake. I remember him playing for the Under-17s in Romania. “He obviously at club level went out on loan. Motherwell have done an unbelievable job with Jake to get him into this position.
“Everyone has spoken about him and has had good words to say in terms of potential.
“With young players there’s no guarantee it’s ever going to be fulfilled. Jake is doing that right now for his club but at the same time we’d all agree it’s not about what he’s doing now, it’s about what he’s going to do in the future for club and hopefully for country.
“If we can help in that regard BY ANTHONY HAGGERTY that’s what this team is for – to give all the young players a great opportunity to learn what it’s like to play against top opposition while the main part of their development is happening with their club coaches.
“Even if you trace back to Under16s and Under-17s you could always see that running power. He’s obviously turned into a bit of a beast now, which again is down to the work Motherwell have put in with him.
“He’s worked hard to put himself into this position, not just developing physically but also tactically.
“The bottom line for me is he’s influencing games in a big way. He’s scoring important goals – goals that are really special.
“For me that’s how you judge the player. It’s not just attacking players but regardless of position you always ask questions like, ‘Are they influencing games? Are they dominating their opponents?’ Jake has certainly done that.”
Hastie is one of three Fir Park kids to get a first Under-21 call-up with David Turnbull and Barry Maguire – on loan at Queen of the South – joining him. Allan Campbell makes it a Motherwell quartet in the squad.
Also in the squad for the first time are Hibs defender Sean Mackie, Liverpool centre-back George Johnston and Middlesbrough left-back Patrick Reading.
Reading’s Jordan Holsgrove, Ayr’s Calvin Miller, Hearts midfielder Callumn Morrison and Swindon striker Ben House join the fresh faces.
Aberdeen’s Connor McLennan is the 11th debut call-up for the doubleheader in Spain on March 22 and 25.