Feruz makes first start but Scots go down to Georgia

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 00:56

Scotland U-17 1 McGregor( 40) Georgia U-17 2 Chanturia (10), Skhirtladze (51)

ISLAM Feruz's journey continued last night as the 14-year-old made his first start for Scotland at Stark's Park, but the night was to end in disappointment for the striker and his under-17 colleagues as they dropped to the bottom of their Uefa Qualification Group. The Scots must now beat Portugal comprehensively in their final game to have any chance of making next spring's Elite Round.

Giorgi Chanturia put Georgia in front on eight minutes, but Callum McGregor levelled with a header before Davit Skhirtladze got Georgia's winner.

Portugal beat Cyprus 2-1 at New Bayview to top the group. The final qualifying group games take place on Sunday with Scotland facing Portugal at Stark's Park and Georgia and Cyprus meeting in a winner takes all match at Forthbank.

Scotland coach Ross Mathie said: "You have to say that the better team won and that we have no complaints."

Scotland: Thomson (Celtic), Mullen (Hearts), McHattie (Dunfermline), Hutchison (Lincoln City) (McAusland (Rangers 53)), MacGregor (Bolton), McGeough (Rangers), McGregor (Celtic), Young (Celtic), Ramsay (St Mirren), Feruz (Celtic) (Smith (Hearts 68)), Main (Rangers) (Walker (Hearts 87). Subs unused: Wightman (Celtic), Kerr (Birmingham City), Hunter (Rangers)

Referee: R Trutz (Slovakia). Att: 522.