SCOTLAND DUTY NO JOKE FOR HAMILTON
JACK HAMILTON’S first international call-up came as such a surprise that even his own parents thought it was a wind-up. However, as he prepares to join his third successive Scotland squad, the Hearts goalkeeper says he is starting to feel like he belongs. The 22-year-old was initially selected as a late replacement for the summer friendlies with France and Italy following the withdrawals of Allan McGregor and Scott Bain, and had to swiftly rearrange his holiday plans once it became clear the phone call was not a prank. Hamilton admits he felt starstruck during his early sessions alongside the likes of Shaun Maloney, Darren Fletcher and Steven Fletcher, but quickly put that out of his mind as he set about impressing national boss Gordon Strachan. Having retained his place for the World Cup qualifier against Malta and the upcoming clashes against Lithuania and Slovakia, it appears he has succeeded. ‘It’s something you dream of as a kid. To see your name called up is fantastic,’ he said. ‘I remember the first time I got in, Craig Levein (Hearts director of football) phoned me. ‘I was just getting ready for my summer holidays. I couldn’t quite believe it. My mum and dad thought I was taking the mickey. They just said: “Shut up!”. It was fantastic. ‘I’m getting a little more used to it now. You’re watching the other keepers and trying to learn from them. The first couple of times I was maybe like: “Wow, I’m training with these guys”. Now I’m thinking I’ve got to be ready just in case you get that call.’ It’s been a whirlwind four months for the keeper. As well as catching Strachan’s eye, he has cemented his place as Hearts’ No 1 following Neil Alexander’s summer exit. He had no idea he was destined to be between the sticks for the Tynecastle side this term until he reported for pre-season training. ‘I went through to the kit room and had a wee joke with the kit man,’ he recalled. ‘I was No 13 last season, so I was looking in the No 13 spot and saying: “Where’s my kit?”. He said I was No 1 and I thought he was kidding. ‘Then the gaffer pulled me aside and said he was going to give me that chance. ‘I was a wee bit shocked but, hopefully, I can repay him.’ Hamilton has a great chance to impress a key member of Strachan’s coaching staff tonight when Hearts travel to face Motherwell, managed by Scotland assistant boss Mark McGhee. ‘Mark has been fine with me,’ said Hamilton. ‘Everybody is there if you need advice. ‘It will be good to play his Motherwell team.’