Boys eye up place on Centenary Shield squad

Footballers from across Renfrewshire and beyond are being put through their final paces this week as selection for the Centenary Shield draws to a close.

Since mid-September Scottish Schools FA National Cup games have taken place, with each match having a member of the SSFA selection and coaching committee in attendance to cast an eye over the players on show with a view to selecting them for the international side.

Three intermediate trials have since been arranged, the first of which kicked off last Friday at Toryglen, in Glasgow.

The second takes place today, while the third trial follows on Friday, both of which are also being hosted at Toryglen.

Twenty-eight hopefuls took part last Friday and the selectors’committee, under the chairmanship of international team secretary Les Donaldson MBE, identified the players from this game, and, taking into account previous performances in the Scottish Cup ties, who may be invited to return for the final trial which takes place on Tuesday, December 12.

An SSFA spokesman said:“The standard in last Friday’s game was very encouraging and it is hoped that the same will be apparent in the next two trials this week.

“The final selection will be announced on Wednesday, December 13, and the squad will have its first get together for preparation on December 21 and 22.

“It is an exciting time for the candidates involved and the SSFA wishes them all the best in trying to show their potential in the quest for a much cherished schoolboy cap.”