The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
One out of six young Scots get McBurnie rallying cry
Olisaysit’stooearlyyettogetdespondentoverEuroprospects
Oliver McBurnie remains upbeat about Scotland under- 21 s’ European championship qualification prospects despite a doubleheader disappointment.
Scot Gemmill’s players lost 2-0 to Ukraine at McDiarmid Park on Tuesday when a goal just before half-time by Andriy Boryachuk was followed by a second in added time by Viktor Kovalenko as the home side piled forward in hope of a leveller.
The 1-1 draw with Latvia at the same venue on Friday night meant only one point from a possible six and left the Scots in fourth place in Group F
“Thereisanother wholeyearof qualifyingand iftheboysdig inthereisno stoppingus”
with seven five fixtures.
Scotland are six points behind leaders England and one behind both Holland and Ukraine, all of whom have to be played again, along with Andorra home and away.
However, the 21-year-old Swansea City striker is adamant that the young Scots can recover.
“It is way too early in the qualifying to rule anything out,” said McBurnie.
“We beat Holland and Latvia away from home and points from picked up a result Latvia at home.
“This double- header was not as good as the last ones but there is plenty of time yet.
“There is another whole year of qualifying and if the boys dig in there is no stopping us.
“I didn’t think there was a lot in the first half and then the goal fell to them in the last minute of the first half and it was a kick in the teeth for the boys and a few heads went down at halftime.
“I don’t think we performed as well in the second against half but we had a few chances at the end.
“They are a top-quality team. It is fine margins between picking up a result and not against these teams and you can’t afford to make a mistake.”
Aberdeen pair Scott Mc- Kenna and Scott Wright played a part in both McDiarmid Park matches.