DAVID CAMPBELL

Saints midfielder Ethan Erhahon has capped a breakthrough season with his first call up to Scotland’s Under- 21 squad for their double header against Northern Ireland next month.

The 20-year-old has been handed his chance to join Scot Gemmell’s side after his stellar end to the Premiership season.

Erhahon is no stranger to a Scotland shirt, having already represented his country at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels

If capped, Erhahon - who was named St Mirren Young Player of the Year for 2020/21 - would become the ninth St Mirren Youth Academy graduate to be capped at Under-21 level for Scotland in the last ten years.

The energetic midfield dynamo grabbed Gemmell’s attention with a series of eye-catching performances for Jim Goodwin’s side in recent months.

Before the squad was announced, St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick talked up the youngster’s prospects of progressing to the highest level. He said: “The sky is the limit for young Ethan.

“He’s been involved with Scotland before and I can certainly see him being in the Under-21s the next time that squad is announced.

“I can see him going all the way and getting a full Scotland cap too, he’s that talented. He’s been so consistent for a young player this season, which is remarkable given everything that’s gone on with covid.

“If he keeps progressing the way he has so far, I could see him playing in the English Premier League one day because he’s got all the attributes a modern-day midfielder needs.”

The matches, both behind closed doors in Dumbarton, are preparatory exercises ahead of the Under- 21 European Championships qualifiers beginning in June.

Gemmell is seeking an improved campaign after narrowly missing qualification for this year’s championships last November.

Erhahon’s call- up is further international recognition for Saints who also saw Jamie McGrath calledup to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

A club spokesman added: “Everyone at St Mirren is delighted for Ethan and wish him all the best in his time with the Scotland Under-21s.”