The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Young Scots look to bow out on a high
Scotland Under-21s are looking to bow out of the Toulon Tournament on a high by securing a second successive thirdplaced finish.
Scot Gemmill’s side face Turkey in the third-place play-off today after suffering a 3-1 semi-final defeat to England.
Having beaten the Czech Republic last year to clinch third place, Scotland face Turkey in Martigues hoping to match last year’s achievement before the under-21s return to action against Andorra and Holland in September.
It has been another encouraging campaign for an inexperienced Scotland side, with 16-year-old Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour among those to impress despite his tender years.
St Johnstone’s Jason Kerr has also been a regular starter, with Dundee’s Craig Wighton coming off the bench.
Captain Oliver Burke has again led from the front for the Scots, with two goals including the winner in a crucial 1-0 win over France in the group stages, and he is hoping the summer’s experiences can help improve him as a player.
A lot was expected from Burke when he moved to RB Leipzig as a teenager for around £13 million, but he struggled to make an impact in Germany before moving to West Brom, where he has also failed to hold down a regular spot.
But he has shown during the tournament why Gordon Strachan handed him a full international debut at the age of 16, and Burke insists there is more to come.
“I know I still have a lot to learn and I will make mistakes along the way, everyone does,” the forward said.
“But I guarantee I will learn from them and be all the better for it. I feel privileged to have had the experiences I’ve had and I’m enthusiastic about what’s still to come.”