YOUNG SCOTS RECEIVE A LESSON IN PORTUGUESE

SCOTLAND boss Brian McLaughlin insisted his youngsters will learn from a pummelling in their opening game at the Euro Under-17s finals in Israel. The Scots are the only British nation at the tournament and hopes were high after two fine qualifying campaigns. But they lost a goal in the eighth minute and faced an uphill struggle in Lod after trailing 3-0 at the interval. Celtic’s Magnus Mackenzie netted a fine goal to reduce the deficit, but naive defending while chasing the game saw Portugal add two more goals in a harsh lesson. McLaughlin said: ‘We were playing against some of the best at this age group in Europe. Portugal are one of the potential winners. ‘But it’s a great experience for the boys. They need to learn and they will.’