‘Character’ Cummings is quality
SAM NICHOLSON has accompanied Jason Cummings on every step of the journey from fresh-faced schoolboy to the Scotland set-up – and insists the “big dope” hasn’t changed a bit.
The duo were just eight years old when they first played together for Edinburgh boys’ club Hutchison Vale, before going on to be teammates in the Hearts youth academy.
Despite Cummings being axed by the Jambos – joining Hibernian after a year back at Hutchie – they will be back in the same side when Scotland Under-21s face Macedonia and Ukraine next week.
And Nicholson insists the quality and character Cummings brings to the squad is invaluable – while urging onlookers not to take the colourful marksman too seriously.
The Jambos starlet smiled: “All in all, he’s a good lad. People misunderstand him. I’ve known him since I was a wee boy, so I know exactly what he’s like.
“He’s a right character and is good to have around the squad, for the banter. He’s not changed at all. “He’s still a big dope, to be honest.” However, Nicholson is quick to point out that behind the bombastic quotes and irrepressible personality, there lies a talented footballer with the potential to star at the highest level.
After bagging 46 goals in the previous two campaigns, he has scored five in four appearances this term and has already been the subject of a rejected £1-million bid from Peterborough United.
Nicholson continued: “He’s another you’d expect to take the step up. He’s got the ability.
“Everyone knows Jason’s capabilities in front of goal. He’s an out and out goalscorer and I think Scotland needs that.”
Nicholson has also been joined in the Under-21 squad by Hearts team-mates Liam Smith and John Souttar.
And, with a dearth of central defenders to call upon at senior level, the gifted winger believes it is only a matter of time before Souttar joins fellow Jambos Callum Paterson and Jack Hamilton in Gordon Strachan’s full squad.
He added: “John must have been in contention for it because he’s been brilliant for us.”