Mitchell hunts for a tartan connection – but it’s England first

ST JOHNSTONE defender Alex Mitchell’s dad did a bit digging trying to unearth a Scottish bloodline for the Millwall loanee.

But playing north of the border is the limit of the centre-back’s Caledonian connection.

Perth team-mate Ryan McGowan said in January that Mitchell has similar qualities to Harry Souttar, suggesting that Australia and the SFA should investigate.

But neither the Socceroos nor Scotland will get the chance to test the 21-year-old’s allegiance to the country of his birth.

Mitchell family homework has revealed it’s England or nothing.

He said: “A couple of years ago when I was a youngster a Scottish scout asked if I had a bloodline.

“I think my dad hired a private investigator to find out in the end. Turns out I’m fully English. There are no Macs anywhere.”

International football is likely to prove beyond Mitchell given the high bar to play for England.

But he’ll do his best to emulate the club career of fellow Saints defender Andy Considine, whose mastery of his trade resulted in three Scotland caps.

“Andy is a leader on and off the pitch,” said Mitchell. “He’s a big role model for me. If there’s anything you need to know or find out, you go to Andy.

“Ask him a question about football and he knows it.

“I’d love to have a career like his.

“That experience is worth its weight in gold.

“In a season you have form dips and when I had one he told me that it is going to happen and what’s important is your reaction to it.

“It’s impossible to play well every game.

“Andy stresses how important it is to stay consistent with how your train and prepare.”

Alex Mitchell is enjoying Andrew Considine’s help.