News

Wylde looking forward to Belgium challenge

Monday, 13 August 2012

Vauxhall Under-21 International Challenge Match
Scotland v Belgium
Tuesday, 14th August 2012, kick-off 7.30pm
East End Park, Dunfermline

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Scotland Under-21 winger Gregg Wylde views tomorrow’s Vauxhall International Challenge Match against Belgium as ideal preparation for the upcoming UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers next month.

Wylde, who left Rangers in March for English club Bolton Wanderers , has enjoyed a successful pre-season with the Greater Manchester club and is looking forward to taking it into quality international opposition at East End Park tomorrow night.

“I’m loving my football at the moment and feel fit,” he said.

“I’ve had a good pre-season playing against good opposition like Barcelona B and love joining up with the Scotland squad.”

With several of the players plying their trade in England, Wylde said the Scotland get-togethers were a good opportunity to share their experiences of playing south of the border.

“I’ve settled well down in England but it wasn’t easy at first,” he said.

“Meeting up with the Scotland players and having the banter at the hotel is always good.”

The Belgium match is a tough test before the Scots take on Luxembourg and Austria in a double-header in September and Wylde said he was aware of the challenge tomorrow’s opponents will pose.

“You have players like Boyata who was at Bolton on loan from Manchester City last season and one of my team mates has told me that they are a good side,” he said.

“I’ve played against their under-19s in Croatia and in a friendly so I know what we’re up against.

“But I think we’ll do well.”

Wylde said he believed his development as a player has continued since leaving Rangers and hoped to bring his new knowledge of the game into tomorrow’s match.

“At Bolton, I’m learning about the defensive side of playing the game which is an important area in every position,” he said.

“I’m aiming to put in a good performance tomorrow night so

I can go into the matches next month with confidence.”

Scotland gatherings on home soil offer players living abroad the opportunity to see friends and family.

Wylde, whose family live in Kirkintilloch, will be visiting his parents after the match.

“Bolton is only two hours down the road but I enjoy coming back and playing for my country then catching up people,” he added.