Scotland’s Under-17s continued their build-up to the Euros Elite Round with a well-earned 2-1 International Challenge Match win over hosts Spain.
Brian McLaughlin’s impressive side built on Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Poland – ranked seventh in the world at this level – with an equally eye-catching triumph over a team tipped as one of the brightest in Europe.
Aberdeen’s Dean Campbell – playing in midfield – scored twice from the penalty spot to see off the Spanish, but it was their patient possession of the ball that delighted the coaching staff.
Performance Director Malky Mackay was amongst those in attendance at the Marbella Football Centre, while 14 of the squad are Scottish FA JD Performance School participants – the first batch to have come right through a programme that is producing real results after years of hard work behind the scenes from everyone involved.
McLaughlin has often spoke of his admiration for the players at his disposal and highlighted their closeness as a group.
He said: “We are obviously over here to test ourselves against the best in Poland, Spain and France. That’s why we took on these challenging games.
“So to come out here and play possession football against Spain, on their own pitch, and win gives the boys a terrific boost going into the Elite Round.
“It gives them added belief in the way they are playing.”
Scotland round off the week with a game against France on Thursday, with a much-changed line-up expected.
This is part of the build-up to the Euros Elite Round stage. The squad reached this point on the back of an unbeaten trip to Estonia – with wins over the hosts and Andorra alongside a draw with Denmark.
The final qualification hurdle for a place in the England-based finals lies in wait in March, with Germany, hosts Greece and Norway providing the opposition.
Scotland: Mair, Patterson, Gordon, O’Connor, Ross, Hamilton, Erhahon, Campbell, Semple, Leonard, Mebude. Subs: Mullen, Taylor, Wilson, Pressley, McBride, Armer, McPake, Fitzpatrick.