Ryan for Scotland

Pleasant surprise for Ryan Williamson named in the Scotland U21 squad to face Andorra and Netherlands

Dunfermline Athletic congratulate Ryan Williamson on being included in the Scotland Under 21s squad for the upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers.

Ryan was shocked on Tuesday when he discovered that he had been included in Scot Gemmill’s Scotland squad. Talking to this website he said:-

“I only found out when the Press came in to see me. I really enjoyed the last couple of times I have been away with Scotland, I have been keen to impress and do well and it looks like I have done that.

“Hopefully I will get the chance to get another couple of caps. The first game is at Tynecastle and that is perfect. The second is away to the Netherlands.“

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers

Scotland v Andorra
Thursday, 6 September 2018, kick-off 7.30pm
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh

Netherlands v Scotland
Tuesday, 11 September, kick-off 5.30pm
Stadion De Vijverberg - Doetinchem

The Scots are hoping to build on the momentum of a second straight semi-final finish at the prestigious Toulon tournament, where a host of fresh faces took their chance to impress.

“They are a good group of boys” claimed Ryan. “I know that from before and there are a few new faces but it will be good to get away, to try as best I can to impress.“

Previous involvement with the Under 21s has been at right midfield but Ryan hopes to be played in his more regular position:-

“The first couple of times and coming on against England I was just buzzing to get on anywhere. When asked if I could play there I was never going to turn it down. Hopefully I will get a chance to play at right back, get more time and show what I can do in my normal position.”

Obviously Ryan’s performances in the Dunfermline first team have not gone unnoticed, he added:-

“It is good that my performances, apart from weekend before last, have been rewarded. That is forgotten about now. The first team manager (Alex McLeish) was at the game on Saturday so I’d like to think I did quite well in that.

“I think I have started the season well . Before my suspension I had three assists in three games, I just have to keep on doing as well as I can for Dunfermline. That is the priority but it is good to get recognition.”

A trademark of Ryan’s game is his charge up the right wing. His crosses become more and more dangerous. He said:-

“I have known that has been an aspect of my game that I have needed to work on. Through pre season and after training I have been doing as much with Sandy and the strikers as I can to put deliveries into the box.

“I am picking people out in good areas and it is paying off. I need to keep doing that, keep working on all aspects to make me a good all round player.”