Meekison feels U21s role can hone him for United Euro bid

Archie Meekison believes his Scotland U21 call-up will stand him in good stead for Dundee United’s European adventure.

The 20-year-old could earn his first cap tomorrow against Belgium or against Denmark next Friday in the young Scots’ final Euro 2023 qualifiers.

Scot Gemmill’s team have the faintest of qualification hopes, with the Belgians unbeaten and the Danes five points ahead with a game in hand.

Meekison is relishing the chance of playing against such tough opponents.

And he believes the double-header will be a valuable experience for him and his United teammates Ross Graham and Kieran Freeman before they set off for the Tangerines’ first European trip in 10 years.

“These games will stand me in good stead for the games in Europe with United, 100 per cent,” he said.

“Playing in different countries is not something I’ve done a lot of, especially at this level.

“It’ll definitely help me in terms of next season regardless of what tie we get with United, if it’s the other end of the world or closer to home.

“It’s something we will need to deal with and this will give me more experience going in to the games.”

Meekison is one of a number of players to have been given an opportunity to shine for United.

The playmaker featured in the majority of the side’s final five games in the Premiership as they cemented fourth place.

The Tannadice side have a proven track record of producing youngsters who have gone on to play at the highest levels.

Asked if the current crop of youngsters can emulate the class of 2014, featuring Andrew Robertson, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Gauld, he said the sky is the limit.

“They did not too bad, so no pressure!” Meekison joked. “I’m just looking forward to seeing where we can get to.

“You have to aim high. If you are not aiming as high as you can, to play with the best teams in the top competitions, then you shouldn’t be involved in football.

“Ultimately, I am at the stage where I need to take it game by game, week by week, and see what I can do.”

Meekison believes his first call-up owes a lot to United boss Tam Courts’ faith in his youth players.

Meekison said: “I definitely think the gaffer has got a big part to play in the success we got this season, especially with the young lads, letting us in on the big games.

“He trusts us. We had him when we were younger so he obviously knows us and how we play sort of inside out, so it was about that trust level. We have got to the right age and played enough games and he now trusts us in those big games.

“We still finished fourth and all these (academy) players had a big a part to play in that.

“That is up to the youngsters and the academy to bring them through with the right attitude to be as confident as you can be, whether you are playing under-18s or reserve football or training with the first team.

“They come up and they all have a great attitude and always want to push for a place in the first team.

“I have to say I owe a lot to him this season and hopefully I can start to kick on even more next season.”

Scotland face Belgium in Stayen in Sint-Truden tomorrow before they travel to the Vejle Stadium, in Vejle, to take on Denmark five days later.

Meekison admits international recognition has capped off a good end to the domestic season where he featured in the final five games, starting four.

The playmaker said: “With Dundee United, my season has been up and down with injuries and whatnot but I played a lot of games towards the end of the season.

“I felt I was playing really well but a call-up for Scotland wasn’t going through my mind and it was a bit of a surprise when I finally got the call.

“With Ross and Kieran in as well, it eases you in a little bit.

“I obviously know the Dundee boys as well, Josh (Mulligan) and Harrison (Sharp). It is good to have a group that you are comfortable with but it is also good to mix with the other players that are in the squad as well and get to know them.”

Archie Meekison is hoping to cap an impressive season.