Ballantyne ‘buzzing’ after earning first U21s call-up

Montrose defender Cammy Ballantyne has been called up to the Scotland U21 squad for their game tonight against Estonia.

The 19-year-old defender has played 25 games for the Gable Endies this season and has flourished since the arrival of manager Stewart Petrie in December.

Cammy said: “When I got the phone call on Friday night I couldn’t believe it – I was absolutely buzzing.”

The Dundee United loanee has already represented his country at U17 level but this is his first involvement with the U21s.

Petrie said: “This is great news for the lad and everyone at the club is delighted for him and we wish him all the best.

“He has done brilliantly since I came, is improving with every game and thoroughly deserves this chance.”

Ballantyne, who was substituted at half-time on Saturday as a precautionary measure after picking up a knock in the game against Arbroath, left Gayfield to head straight to Edinburgh to meet up with the rest of the Scotland squad.

The match against Estonia is preparation for the next Under-21 European Championship qualifiers which begin in September. Scot Gemmill’s side have been drawn in a tough group which includes England, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Latvia and Andorra.

Gemmill has named 11 uncapped players in his squad for tonight’s clash.

Malaga CF forward Jack Harper, formerly of Real Madrid, has earned his first under-21 call up, while Dundee striker Craig Wighton is also in the squad.

The game, to be played at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, kicks-off at 7.30pm and will be broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook.

Cammy Ballantyne is on loan at Montrose.