UEFA Under-17 Championship Elite Round
Scotland 2-2 Czech Republic 
The Falkirk Stadium
Wednesday, 23 March, 12pm

Germany v Scotland
The Falkirk Stadium
Saturday, 26 March, 12pm

Georgia v Scotland
The Falkirk Stadium
Tuesday, 29 March, 5.30pm

Free entry for fans to all matches.

Scotland's Under-17s kick off their Elite Round campaign on home soil on Wednesday as they bid to secure a place in the finals in Israel.

A young group won't have it easy against three tricky opponents - not least a German side rated one of the best in the world in this age-group - but Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has been impressed by the steely determination within the Scots ranks to raise their own levels.

Speaking ahead of the first of three games at The Falkirk Stadium, against Czech Republic, McLaughlin said: "From our first training session with the squad on Sunday, it was obvious to see how excited they are to be involved.

"From the perspective of the coaching staff, it’s three games for them to become better players, to embrace different experiences against difference opposition.

"For the boys, there’s something extra special about being able to play in front of home crowds, with family and friends in attendance. I know most of their clubs will be represented as well to take a look at them in a different environment.

"Playing for your country – at any level – should be special and I hope they all make the most of the week.

"It’s a young group, with six of them born in 2006, but it’s heartening to see a good few have already enjoyed some exposure to first-team football.

"I look at Dylan Reid, who became the youngest player in St Mirren’s history, as well as the youngest to have ever played in the Scottish Premiership.

"Ben Doak’s had a taste at a high level with Celtic. Cameron Bruce made his first start for Queen’s Park on Saturday.

"Charlie McArthur’s had some involvement at Kilmarnock, just like Rory Macleod at Dundee United.

"It’s great for us to even have boys training with their first teams at this age and stage, never mind playing.

"I think they’ve all drawn confidence from that involvement but they’re all good types. Humble young players who know they still have a long way to go.

"When we lost to Italy, I think it was a bit of an eye-opener for the group, in a good way.

"I think they’ve come back hungrier because their ambition is to get to that level.

"All of them should be proud to be involved this week. Being picked to represent your country is a big enough challenge and retaining that place is even harder.

"I want them to enjoy the next three games and make the most of every moment."