Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Thrilled Meekison not bothered about missing family break to Greece
ARCHIE Meekison has been forced to shelve his summer holiday plans – but it’s anything but a Greek tragedy for the Dundee United starlet.
Meekison, 20, was due to enjoy a richly merited break with his family in the coming weeks after a fine finale to the Premiership campaign.
However, a shock call-up to Scotland’s under-21 squad swiftly put paid that, with the classy playmaker instead turning his attention to clashes against Belgium (June 5) and Denmark (June 10).
Meekison says there was no dilemma when the call came from his country.
“I was going away with my family to Greece, but it was an easy decision to make when I got the Scotland under-21 call-up,” he said.
“I didn’t even know I was on the radar as I have never been close to it. I couldn’t believe it. It has given me a boost of confidence and I can’t wait to get going.”
Although a graduate of the Scottish FA’s performance school initiative, Meekison has never represented his country beyond schoolboy level.
He was in a fine Victory Shield squad alongside the likes of Hibernian’s Josh Doig and Dundee rivals Finlay Robertson and Josh Mulligan.
“We had a good group of lads,” recalls Meekison. “Josh came in and did very well at Hibs, winning young player of the year in the first season. I thought ‘if he can do it then why can’t I?’ – especially at a team like United who have a strong history of giving young players their chance.”
Of his own form, starring in United’s final four games, Meekison said: “We wanted top six and once we got that, we took the reins off a bit and could enjoy our football.
“I think that is where I flourished a bit more because I was in and there was less pressure.”