McHattie for Scotland

Dunfermline U17 player Kevin McHattie is included in Ross Mathie's Scotland U17 squad to face Cyprus, Georgia and Portugal in October.

Dunfermline U17 player Kevin McHattie is included in Ross Mathie's Scotland U17 squad to face Cyprus, Georgia and Portugal in October.

Kevin started playing football in sevens while at Pitteuchar East Primary School in Glenrothes. Bert Paton spotted him right away bringing him to Dunfermline at the age of eight. Kevin has progressed through the age groups from under nines.

Last year Kevin caught the eye of the Scotland selectors and attended trials before a broken ankle ruled him out for the whole season. The 16 year old attended a training game at Largs this season and has secured a place in the squad. No mean feat since outside the Old Firm, Hearts and Anglos only St Mirren, Dundee United and Dunfermline are represented.

The matches will be played on Kevin's home patch so he hopes that he will be well supported if and when he makes an appearance:-

"There's two at Starks Park and one at East End. I have only played at East End when it had an artificial surface."

Kevin plays centre midfield and left back and it is in the latter role that he fancies his chances of international honours:-

"The chances are quite high I feel because at left back there was me and one other who didn't get into the squad.

His coach Stevie felt that Kevin's recognition at international level would be well deserved:-

"He has been probably been one of our most consistent players this year and he deserves to be included. It is good because it gives everyone a lift that they are not just looking at the bigger teams. It means that if they are doing well with the so called smaller teams then you will get your chance.

"He is left footed, tall and can play in a variety of positions which is good. He is certainly one of our main players."

Gordon Durie congratulated Kevin adding "You don't get in these squads if you don't work hard".