Fletcher the ideal role model for ‘top talent’ Hamilton
UNITED have a talent on their hands in Ethan Hamilton - and he will be given a chance to prove he can make the step up at Old Trafford.
That’s the view of Scotland Under-19s coach Ricky Sbragia, who has named the youngster in his squad for three crucial European Championship qualifiers.
Hamilton joined United in 2015, and is part of Kieran McKenna’s exciting Under-18 side, who have been putting teams to the sword this season.
And Sbragia believes the now 18-year-old is at the perfect club to make the most of his considerable talent.
“He’s a talent, there’s no doubt about it,” said Sbragia.
“He went from Hutchie Vale to Man United and they’ve got high hopes for him. “He’s developed as a man. “I met him and his family a few weeks ago and had a chat with him. He loves it there.
“He wants to play for Scotland, and that’s important. He’s a lovely lad.
“At United they say he is a great pro. He needs now to play international football.
“He’s box-to-box. He’s got a great physique and technically he’s very good. He knows the game.
“The great thing for me is that he is happy down there. He wants to learn, his education has been good. His mother is down there living with him. So in general he’s in a good place.
“He’s definitely got a chance at Man United. He’ll be given a chance, he’s also played for the under-23s there.
“When I phoned him and asked him to come to Andorra for the [previous] qualifying campaign he was over the moon. I’d seen him four or five times and was hoping he would say yes and was delighted when he did.” Hamilton, who represented the same youth club as Darren Fletcher prior to making the move to Manchester, admits that the former United man is his biggest inspiration. Added Sbragia: “He said his inspiration is Darren Fletcher and Fletch is everything you want a footballer to be. He came and played for the reserves when I was there and it wasn’t a problem. “He’s a great example and I think he has spoken to him as well when he first came down. “If you ever want to model yourself on someone as a pro, it would be Darren.” Ricky Sbragia