U20 Player Receives International Call-up
International honours can be hard to come by at any level but are especially hard in League 2 however U20 Development squad player Jamie Chapman (pictured recently v Alloa) has achieved just that with a call up to the Scottish Schools FA U18 squad for the Centenary Shield games in the New Year.
Dunbar based Chapman will line up against England, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after the turn of the year as well as taking part in a challenge match with Australia as part of the preparations.
Having been scouted in the summer by the U20 coaching staff whilst playing for Leith Athletic in Dunbar at the end of season finals day, Chapman signed for the club in July and has went from strength to strength ever since. Currently out on loan at Haddington Athletic as well as playing midweek for the U20s Chapman caught the eye at Shielfield early in the season with a spectacular goal from distance against Forfar and followed that up by coolly slotting home the first goal against Alloa in last weeks 4-1 away victory.
U20 Head Coach Derek McKenzie commented “we are delighted for Jamie earning international recognition. He’s a joy to work with and always looks for feedback on how he’s done and the most important thing from the coaches point of view is that he wants to learn and knows he still has learning to do. I’m delighted from the clubs point of view as well, it’s great to have one of our players involved in these games and I’m sure there will be a good support following him to the games from the club staff. It shows other people are taking notice of our players and what we are doing at the club which is great”.
Manager John Coughlin also commented “ I am delighted for the boy as it is an honour for the player and the football club. He works diligently at his game and deserves this reward. I am also confident that he will represent the club to the best of his ability. I look forward to cheering him on in Scotland colours and hope he continues to progress in our successful development team”.
“Chappy “attends the Edinburgh College football performance course during the week and from this had been turning out for the Lothian Schools FA side in matches in the National Trophy played between representative sides from across Scotland. These matches were watched by Scotland squad selectors and following 2 trial days at Toryglen in Glasgow 18 players were selected for the games against Australia (Renfrew JFC), England (St Mirren Park, Paisley), Republic of Ireland (Forthbank, Stirling), Wales (Bala Town) and Northern Ireland (Belfast).
Before that, Chapman will be in the squad for Tuesday nights Development League East encounter with Stirling Albion at the Forthbank Astroturf. Kick-off is 8pm and the squad will be looking to increase their 4-point lead at the top of the table against the Albion following the 4-3 win at Shielfield earlier in the season.
