The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Azteca captaincy thrills Mckenna
SCOTLAND: Wearing armband ‘an absolute honour’ for Aberdeen defender
A pair of Courier Country players played prominent parts in the weekend action as Scotland continued to prepare for the future.
Kirriemuir’s Scott Mckenna captained a makeshift and inexperienced Scotland side as they lost 1-0 to World Cup-bound Mexico in the early hours of yesterday morning after Fifer Oliver Burke had scored a stunning goal at the Toulon tournament to help the under-21 side into the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over South Korea.
Alex Mcleish handed the armband to 21-year-old Aberdeen defender Mckenna on his fourth appearance as Scotland completed their two-match tour of the Americas.
Mckenna said: “Coming away I didn’t think things could really get any better but to captain my country in Mexico at the Azteca, it doesn’t really get much better.
“Especially as I’ve not got that many caps myself, for the manager to put that trust and faith in me is something I’ll really take confidence from.
“Any time I play for Scotland I’m delighted but to lead the team out in such a big arena, with so many fans, it was an absolute honour for me.”
In France, Kirkcaldy-born Burke produced a great 50-yard run and finish as the Scots won their group to set up a semi-final meeting with England on Wednesday.
Scotland’s under-21 side topped their group at the Toulon tournament after a 2-1 victory over South Korea on Saturday.
Scot Gemmil’s team reached the last four of the tournament for the second year in succession where they will once again meet holders England on Wednesday.
The Scots finished unbeaten at the top of Group B after an opening draw with Togo and backto-back wins over hosts France and South Korea.
They then needed France to beat Togo in the final group game to qualify as winners and the hosts played their part in a 2-0 win.
Coach Gemmill was a proud man and was keen to stress the importance of the achievement.
“It’s satisfying to go through the group unbeaten and get more points than last year,” he said.
“A lot of people in Scotland question where the young players are.
“Performances like this help convince people good work is happening, not just with us but, more importantly, with the clubs.
“We have got a lot of players who weren’t able to come because of injuries but we take confidence that we’re starting to put together a real squad of players, even outside of this group.
“We have a bigger selection and real depth.
“We’re really proud of the players and it’s great justification for Malky Mackay, who found the budget to get us here because it costs a lot of money.”
Scotland made a dream start against the South Koreans, scoring two stunning goals in the first eight minutes.
Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour opened the scoring after just 90 seconds.
The 16-year-old picked up the ball on the edge of the box, feinted to shoot with his left foot, before firing home with his right.
Fifer Oliver Burke topped that soon after, picking up the ball in his own half before bursting forward.
He played a one-two, skipped past two defenders and poked the ball over the goalkeeper.
South Korea had lost their first two games, but threw everything at Scotland as the game progressed.
They pulled one back with 15 minutes left through a Kangin Lee freekick but the Scots held on.
Gemmill added: “I hope the goals are a snapshot of how good Billy and Oli can be. We give the players this opportunity and they have to take it.
“Billy showed his level. It’s not just his technical ability. It’s his game intelligence and composure.
“As for Oli, a lot of people are still waiting to see him really fulfil his potential.
“It’s difficult not to say ‘wow’ when he does things like that.”
England won last year’s meeting 3-0 and Gemmill continued: “Every time the teams meet there’s a real sense of occasion. It’s going to be the same again this time.
Canada play Mexico, who pipped England to win Group A, in the other semi-final.