‘Ryan’s no failure – he’ll have last laugh over Scots critics’
Ryan Gauld may not wear a Sporting Lisbon shirt any more.
But his former mentor still reckons he will one day win Scotland caps.
Brechin City number two, Stevie Campbell, ushered Gauld through Dundee United’s once- storied youth set- up and into the first team limelight.
The big-money move to Sporting that followed finally faltered during the week when the 23-year-old was told to find a new club.
He has been characterised as a flop by critics in Scotland.
But a midst interest from Aberdeen, Sporting’s Portuguese league rivals, Moreirense – who missed out on a Europa League spot on goal difference last season – look set to snap Gauld up.
For Campbell, that stands as proof of his former protégé’s unquestionable ability.
“I think Ryan will make up for lost time when he gets himself a new club,” he said.
“I certainly don’t see what has happened at Sporting Lisbon as failure – and I mean that.
“I know that’s probably going against the grain.
“But considering the education he’s had – not just in football but on the lifestyle side – and the bravery it took to make that move – there’s no way you can call whatever happens next a failure.
“Ryan will have the last laugh over all the doubters, I’m convinced of it.
“He will still have a career at the top level – and we’ll all see him in a Scotland shirt.
“People will say, ‘ You’re joking!’ but I say, ‘OK, we’ll wait and see.’
“He’ll be up there in years to come, without a doubt.”
Gauld spent the second half of last season on loan at Hibs in an effort to pick up some game time.
Injur y – coupled with the Hibees’ terrific form after Paul Heckingbottom’s appointment as manager – meant he only managed six appearances.
But a number of managers at top Scottish clubs remain convinced of Gauld’s gifts.
As a teenager, he dazzled whilst breaking through at Dundee United, earning the nickname “Mini Messi”.
It was a weighty moniker to expect such a young player to shoulder.
But Campbell reckons he has now shrugged it off – and would prefer to continue his career away from the expectations of the Scottish Premiership goldfish bowl.
“He’s still at a very good age,” said Campbell.
“I’ve spoken to him and I know what he’s taken from the experience, both at Sporting and being out on loan.
“OK, people will say it didn’t work out at Hibs, but he got injured, so he’s had a lot of misfortune to deal with.
“I, for one, still firmly believe he’s going to have a fantastic career.
“I would be surprised if it’s in Scotland, if I’m being honest.
“I know there are two or three Scottish clubs interested, and quite rightly so, but I’d be surprised if he came back to Scotland on a permanent basis.”