Amputee footballer ‘living the dream’ after Scotland debut

Sport: Talented striker Tommy has won his first international cap

A Dundee amputee footballer admits he is living the dream after winning his first international cap.

Tommy Mckay, who lost his leg at the age of nine to bone cancer, took part in Scotland’s first amputee football match against Holland on Saturday.

The talented striker hit the headlines last year after scoring an impressive chip during a half time challenge at a Dundee United versus Dunfermline match.

Since then, the former Partick Thistle player has joined up with the newly formed Dundee United amputee side.

To add to the United-daft striker’s joy, last weekend he was part of a Scotland team taking part in its first amputee football match.

Though Tommy and his team-mates went down 6-0 in Largs at the hands of an experienced Holland side, Tommy described representing his country as “phenomenal”.

He said: “I don’t think any of us slept for a week leading up to the game.

“It was a fantastic experience. We lost 6-0, much to my disappointment, but Holland formed its national team 10 years ago and it was our first (official) game ever – not everyone gets to experience that.

“99.9% of people don’t get to play for their national team. Some very good footballers don’t. It is a unique experience and one I don’t think any of us will forget for a long time.

“I’m very grateful to have had the chance to play for Scotland. To get a cap is phenomenal.”

Tommy believes amputee football is developing an impressive reputation and is considered an important priority by Scotland’s football authorities.

He said: “The SFA (Scottish Football Association) see the potential in the sport.

“I think they have been surprised by the level of skill involved, it’s just like watching football really. I hope we can get as many people playing in Scotland as we can.”

Scotland are due to travel to Italy to take part in a tournament in May.

Before then, Tommy will be taking part in an east versus west exhibition match for new club Dundee United against old side Partick Thistle.

jmilligan@thecourier.co.uk

Tommy Mckay, front right, and his Scotland team-mates.

Picture: David Martin. Tommy showcases his skills.