Toulon joy would make up for final misery: Campbell

Motherwell starlet Allan Campbell insists he can ease his Hampden heartbreak by winning the Toulon Tournament with Scotland.

The 19-year-old saw his dream of lifting the Scottish Cup with the Steelmen in dashed in a disastrous first 20 minutes last Saturday, with two quick-fire goals from Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham sending Celtic on the way to a 2-0 triumph.

Nevertheless, Campbell has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign at Fir Park, making 37 appearances for Stephen Robinson’s side and also featuring in the Betfred Cup final defeat against the Hoops.

His progress was recognised at international level when he was named in Scot Gemmill’s squad for the youth football showpiece in France – and the ambitious midfielder is adamant the Tartan teens can lift the trophy in Toulon.

Scotland kick-off their bid for glory against Togo tomorrow before a daunting clash against France three days later.

Their final group game will be against South Korea next Saturday.

“Our expectations? I think we all want to win it,” said Campbell.

“We are going into this tournament expecting to do well. It’s going to be hard with the conditions, the heat, so recovery will be important, but we will be ready.

“It’s a massive tournament and it would be great if we went over there, did ourselves justice and tried to win the tournament. It’s a great platform for us to showcase what we can do.

“I think you need to be confident. You can’t go into a game thinking you won’t do well.

“You need to have the focus and belief that we can compete and take it step by step. The ability the boys have got is brilliant. There are a lot of younger boys coming through who have unbelievable technical ability.”

Alan Campbell prepares to leave for Toulon yesterday.