Ruddy the happy Wanderer looks to make call-up against Estonia his next destination

Jack Ruddy gave up the Spanish sunshine to further his goalkeeping career at Bury and now hopes to take the next step with a Scotland under-21 cap.

The Glaswegian started off on the books at Rangers before his family relocated to Spain.

Real Murcia signed him after spotting his potential before he made the switch to the Sky Bet League One Shakers at the age of 16 and, in the summer of 2016, Wolverhamptonwanderers signed him on a twoyear deal with the club having an extra year’s option.

Ruddy has played for Scotland under-19s and is hoping coach Scot Gemmill hands him his debut at the next level in the challenge match against Estonia at the Paisley 2021 Stadium tonight.

The 19-year-old said: “I had four years at Rangers before I moved to Spain at 12. I was at Real Murcia and moved to England on my own when I was 16 to make a career and signed for Bury.

“I did pretty well and made my debut when I was 17 and Wolves signed me last summer.

“I just told my dad that I wanted to be a footballer in England and he didn’t stand in my way. He let me get on with it.

“I was in digs just outside Manchester. I got used to it. I don’t get homesick. I am used to being away now.

“I just had to learn as I went along. It has been a great experience. It matures you quite a bit, so it has been great for me as a person and a player.”

The match against Estonia is preparation for the next Under-21 European Championship qualifiers which begin in September.

Gemmill’s side have been drawn in a tough group, which includes England, Netherlands, Ukraine, Latvia and Andorra.

The Scots start their campaign against the Dutch before a trip down south.

Ruddy said: “In the first place, I want to show Scot what I can do and impress and, hopefully, that will stand me in good stead.

“There are a lot of big games coming up, like the Euros against England and Holland.

“I am looking to push on. I worked with Scot at under-19s, so it is good to have a familiar face.

“He is really good, quite relaxed, easy to work with and likes his teams to get the ball down and play.”