FREEMAN’S CALL-UP IS PERFECT REWARD

Kieran Freeman admits his late Scotland Under-21s call-up was an unexpected bonus at the end of a memorable campaign.

Despite turning 22 in March, the Dundee United wing-back had never previously represented his country at under-21 level after injuries derailed his progress through the age groups.

However, he was drafted into Scot Gemmill’s squad at short notice after West Ham’s Harrison Ashby withdrew and made his debut in an impressive goalless draw away to Belgium on Sunday.

After completing his first season as a regular in the United first team, he now hopes to win a second and final cap at under-21 level as Scotland conclude a testing European Championship campaign away to Denmark today.

“I just thought the season was finished, to be honest, and I was happy with playing 30 games and the team (United) finishing fourth, so just to get that extra appearance and be involved has been good,” Freeman said.

“I missed a few days of a holiday with my mum and dad but I’d already had two weeks in Portugal. If you get the chance to play for Scotland then you’re going to miss anything.

“Obviously, it was a good moment (to play against Belgium). I’ve been involved with Scotland since I was young and that was my first appearance since my knee injuries, which I’d been out with for a few years, so obviously it was great to come back, especially against a team like Belgium.

“My dad and mum were watching on BBC, so they were definitely happy to see me playing.”

Belgium have won the five-team group but Freeman believes fourthplaced Scotland can take heart from the way they played as they look to finish the campaign on a high away to Denmark, who have finished second and secured a play-off spot.

“That wasn’t Belgium’s strongest under-21s side but they still had millionpound players – and quite a few millions some of them!” he said.

“It’s always good to test yourself against that sort of talent and we managed to get a clean sheet, which is always a pleasing thing as a defender.”