Campbell cracker seals three points for Scots in Vilnius

ALLAN CAMPBELL cracked in a late vol ley to hand Scotland Under 21s a huge win in Vilnius as they aim to end a 25- year wait for a Euro Finals.

The Motherwell midfielder’s goal nine minutes from time in the Baltics sent the young Scots up to third in their group – four points behind leaders Czech Republic with a game in hand, with the Czechs still to visit here.

Scotland were frustrated for long spells of a bad- tempered encounter with Lithuania looking likely to repeat their goalless draw against Scotland at Tynecastle last October - it would have been the fourth game in a row without a goal for the 21s.

But Fir Park terrier Campbell’s sliced volley finally beat outstanding Serie- A based home keeper Titas Krapikas, who had kept the hosts in it.

And Gemmill was full of praise for Campbell and his kids, who have four games left to play in the group - Croatia and the Czechs at home and San Marino and Greece away.

He said: “Allan’s goal was huge for the team and it’s something that we encouraged him to do. He’s got the energy, stamina and athleticism to get into the box. We’ve spoken to him to try and do that for the team. It’s really important we have that presence in there.

“Big credit to the team. It’s not easy to come to a really proud nation like this who made it so hard to play against.

“I’m really delighted for the players because it’s been a really, long and unusual week. They haven’t been allowed out the hotel and it takes a lot of discipline and a lot of professionalism for the best young players in the country. “Our position in the group is exciting. We are trying to be as competitive as possible. Try and stop that bunch in the dressing room not being competitive!” Scotland were denied twice in the first half by two sensational saves by Italian- based outstanding home keeper Titas Krapikas, with a clawed- away stop from a Fraser Hornby free kick quite brilliant. He also denied Celtic’s David Turnbull with a brilliant low save.

However, with just nine minutes remaining, Motherwell ace Campbell made the vital breakthrough when he handed Scotland the lead after a cross from debut kid Nathan Patterson was challenged for by Hornby and the ball fell for Campbell who sliced a volley past the wrongfooted Krapikas.

SCOTLAND UNDER 21s ( 4- 4- 1- 1): Doohan; McCrorie, Porteous, Johnston, Harvie; Patterson ( Mayo 86), A Campbell, Ferguson, Middleton ( McLennan 86); Turnbull ( Scott 61); Hornby. UNUSED SUBS Wright, Fiorini, Kelly, McIntyre, D Campbell, McCarron.