CALVIN’SFINE WORKING WITH SCOTT
SCOTLAND UNDER-21s starlet Calvin Ramsay reckons new Aberdeen skipper Scott Brown has been a big influence on his flying Dons start.
The highly-rated right-back will make his Under-21s debut tonight as Scot Gemmill’s kids face a daunting task in their opening Euro 2023 qualifier in against Turkey in Bursa.
Scotland are without 10 English-based players due to Covid restrictions but there is still the exciting prospect of seeing Ramsay and Hibs starlet Josh Doig on the flanks in defence.
Ramsay, who only turned 18 in July, has won plaudits this season after bursting on to the scene, with manager Stephen Glass showing huge faith in him.
And Ramsay admits he has progressed hugely after being guided by former Celtic and Scotland hero Brown.
He said: “Scott Brown has been great for me. Having known how well he did at Celtic I knew what a good leader he was and to have him at Aberdeen is fantastic.
“He’s a huge role model for all the young boys coming through and he gives us confidence.
“He speaks to us individually and tells us what we need to do to try to get in the first team.
“It’s great to learn from him and Andy Considine too. Scott will coach all the young boys and during games he will tell us what to do.
“He just coaches me through the matches really. He’s a great guy on and off the park.
“Andy got a horrible injury and hopefully he will be back soon.”
Aberdeen have made an unbeaten start to the Premiership season but that has been tempered by a League Cup exit to Raith and a heavy Euro defeat by Qarabag.
Glass is a manager who puts his faith in youth and Ramsay is loving life at Pittodrie.
He said: “Before the gaffer came to Aberdeen I read up on him and saw that he liked to give young players their chance at Atlanta and bring them through.
“Ever since he arrived, he’s been great with all us younger players and has given us opportunities.”
Ramsay’s club travels have taken him to Sweden, Iceland and Azerbaijan already this season and now he will run out in Turkey with the Scotland Under-21s.
He said: “I’m buzzing for the game. It has been a great experience being in the camp. It’s my first time with the 21s – I’ve been with the 17s and the 19s before.
“I’ve been travelling a lot in Europe recently and it’s a great experience.”