Scotland v France
Nagyerdei Stadium, Debrecen
Wednesday, 17 May (3.30pm kick off - UK time)

Scotland’s Leyton Grant joined us to look ahead to the Under-17s’ opener against France on Wednesday afternoon. The match will be live on the BBC Sport Scotland website.

The young defender made his international debut in February and he was involved in the Elite Round as Scotland qualified from a group that included Wales, Iceland and Montenegro.

Leyton, thanks for speaking to us. You’re relatively new to the Scotland set-up. How have you found it so far?

Some of the boys were here last year but this is my first time at the Euros. So far it’s been a great experience. I’m quite new to the Scotland set-up. I was first involved three or four months ago but I’ve learned quickly, with the different style and Brian is a great coach. I’ve been playing with Rory Wilson since Under-13s so I get on well with him and Lennon Miller and Bailey Rice I’m close with as well.

I didn’t play in the first set of qualifiers but the Elite Round was a great experience.

Did you notice a difference in terms of quality when you made your international debut?  

The quality of player goes up with how athletic and how physical the game is, so it’s always a good test. I think I’ve done well so far.

How did it feel to represent your country for the first time?

My Scotland debut was against Hungary at the Pinatar Arena. It was a day I’ll never forget. It was crazy hearing the national anthem and wearing the Scotland kit. My family came out for that and they’re out for the finals here too.

You had an experience of playing at Hampden recently in the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final. The game didn’t go your way on the night but how did you find the occasion?

The Youth Cup was a mad game but that’s what you want. You’re getting challenged with some of the best players in the country so that’s what you want. It was my first time playing at Hampden so it was crazy being in the changing room. It’s a huge pitch and you’re cramping up but a great experience.

Are there any players, either from a Scotland point of view or with your club who you look up to?

You bump into the first team at Rangers and I speak to the likes of Adam Devine, Alex Lowry and Leon King who obviously all play for Scotland youth teams as well. I’d say I like the way Ben Davies plays for Rangers. I think he’s so composed on the ball and some of his passing is top.

You mentioned your family were coming out. Are they big supporters of yours?

Definitely. My mum, my step-dad and my two brothers in particular. They never miss a game. My mum in particular has been a help - she’s dropped everything and supported me to get me to where I am.

I actually come from a family of athletes because my uncle was a professional rugby league player.

His name is Gareth Morton and he played in England and in Australia. He played for Leeds Rhinos and he was capped for Scotland 30-odd times but I’m the first footballer.

Do you have many memories of following Scotland when you were younger?

I feel I was usually playing myself so haven’t been to too many but I remember going to a Gibraltar game and we won 6-1 and I remember how brilliant it was being in the national stadium with the incredible atmosphere.

Just looking ahead to the three matches. It’s clearly a challenging group but how do you think you can perform?

We’ve come here with a game plan and hopefully we can pull it off against these top teams. I’ve not played against any of them so it will be a new challenge.

Off the pitch we all get on together well and then when it’s on the training pitch it’s a snap and we’ve got to work and do what we’re here to do. We’re looking forward to it.

How to Watch 

All three of Scotland's Group C matches will be live on the BBC Scotland website. Highlights of all the matches will be available on the Scotland National Team Youtube channel. 

Team News

Aston Villa striker Rory Wilson is back in the squad after missing the Elite Round due to injury. Celtic's Daniel Cummings is a late withdrawal from the squad and he is replaced by Aberdeen's Findlay Marshall

Scotland Under-17 Squad

Rory Mahady Leeds United
Callan McKenna Queens Park
Josh Dede Celtic
Rocco Friel* Hearts
Mitchel Frame Celtic
Ruari Ellis* Kilmarnock
Owen Hastie Hibernian
Leyton Grant Rangers
Bailey Rice* Rangers
Kyle Ure Celtic
Gabriel Forsyth* Hamilton Accies
Rudi Allan-Molotnikov* Hibernian
Lennon Connolly* Queens Park
Lennon Miller Motherwell
Jacob MacIntyre* Hibernian
Rory Wilson* Aston Villa
Bobby McLuckie Hearts
Ryan One* Hamilton Accies
Ewan Simpson* Aston Villa
Findlay Marshall* Aberdeen

*Denotes Scottish FA JD Performance School participant.