Harwood’s sudden rise to the top, via Malaga

Scotland’s Commonwealth Games squads were announced yesterday at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and, for Western Wildcats’ striker Rob Harwood, it was the culmination of a meteoric rise on the international arena.

The 20-year-old gained his first Scotland cap only a couple of weeks ago against the United States at a five nations tournament in Malaga. He scored only four minutes after coming on as an early substitute. His outstanding performance in Malaga impressed coach Derek Forsyth, and now he is heading for the Gold Coast.

Harwood said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected to represent Team Scotland in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“I set myself the goal of reaching the games back in 2015, and for a while I didn’t think it was going to be possible – it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. It will be a proud moment for myself and my family, and I can’t wait for the tournament to get under way.”

The rest of the squad is along expected lines with Great Britain players Chris Grassick, Lee Morton and Alan Forsyth along with Willie Marshall, Gordon Mcintyre and Kenny Bain providing the experience.

Scotland’s women also contain a wealth of experience, with captain Kareena Cuthbert, Becky Ward, Nicola Skrastin, Nikki Lloyd and GB player Sarah Robertson all boasting over 100 caps. Youth gets a chance too, though – Western’s Lucy Lanigan, who impressed in the recent camp in Gran Canaria, and Dundee Wanderers’ teenager Charlotte Watson have also been selected.