Par in Holland

Under19 keeper Greg Paterson stars for Scotland

Dunfermline's young goalkeeper Greg Paterson featured in Scotland Under 19s draw in their international friendly against the Netherlands on March 23rd.

The Dutch took the lead shortly after half time through Vurnon Anita in the match at Sportpark De Zwaaier, in Werkendam, but Scotland got back on level terms with a goal by Steven Lennon of Rangers in 70 minutes.

Archie Knox's team next meet for the UEFA Under 19 group in May, which they host on Tayside against Turkey, Georgia and Portugal.

Greg Paterson joined Dunfermline in the summer of 2005 following spells with Cairneyhill Boys Club, Inverkeithing United and Dunfermline Under 12's. He then moved to Rangers at the of 13, under Malcolm Thomson, until half way through Under 15 level before joining the Pars.

Capped nine times for Scotland at U16 level and eight times at Under 17 level. Now part of the Scotland U19 squad he hopes to figure in the European Championship qualifying tournament to be hosted on Tayside in May 2007 against Turkey, Georgia and Portugal. Greg is currently sharing the Scotland goalkeeper slot with Alan Martin of Motherwell.

Speaking exclusively to the official website Greg said that he was happy with his most recent international appearance, coming on as a 55th minute substitute:-

"I played half the game against Iceland at the beginning of the season. This was just a challenge match but I am trying to establish myself in the squad for the European Championships at the end of May. It felt I did OK and I am happy with my performance. I made a few saves and didn't concede a goal."

Greg is only seventeen but will be of contract with Dunfermline at the end of the 2006-07 season. He has not yet received an offer but his agent Bill McMurdo already has a number of options lined up for the former pupil of Woodmill High School.