Twins square off in under-15s Scottish Cup clash

But even they have never had to face what the Kerr twins of Midlothian are about to encounter.

Greg and Jason will line-up in opposing sides next month in a Scottish Cup under 15s semi-final, splitting loyalties in their Penicuik household.

Up until this season, both boys played for Tynecastle Boys Club and had reached two finals on the trot, winning one and losing one.

But in the summer Greg, a striker, was allowed to join rival boys club Loanhead while his midfielder brother – who has played for Scotland in his age group – stayed on.

Now the two sides will meet on March 11, pitting the 15-year-old siblings against each other.

Their stepfather Douglas Stewart, a taxi driver, said: “Since they both got through to the semis there’s certainly been a bit of tension in the house.

“They’ve been winding each other up, but for me and their mum it will be torture – she’s really on edge.

“It was disappointing when Greg moved because they had a great understanding on the pitch, now I go to see one of them and their mum Tracy goes to see the other.

“I’m not sure how we’ll work the game itself.”

The game will take place at Whitehill Welfare’s Ferguson Park, with the winners playing either Hutchison Vale or Glasgow-based Antonine Blacks at the home of Airdrie United, New Broomfield, later this year.

Despite the division of loyalties, it does mean the family will have at least one son in the final for the third year on the trot.

“Hopefully it’ll mean we have a winner this year too,” added Mr Stewart.

“Whoever is in the final will be supported by the other, that’s for sure. I’m not sure who would be the favourites at this point, possibly Tynecastle because they’ve been over the course the last two years, but then I need to watch what I say.”

He added that both teenagers, who are pupils at Penicuik High, wanted to make it professionally.

“I’m not sure which one’s more likely,” he said. “Jason’s played at international level but then Greg often plays as a lone striker, which is a pretty difficult position.”

Both brothers said while their relationship might give the day itself an added edge, there would be no long-term fall-out regardless of the result.

Tynecastle’s Jason said: “We’re the favourites and I’m pretty sure we’ll win. Whoever does win, the other will have to go along to the cup final and watch. We’re getting on fine, but we probably won’t talk on the day of the game.”

Greg, of Loanhead, added: “I’m looking forward to it, it will be my chance for revenge. The team have been joking that I should push him down the stairs the day before.

“We’ve never played against each other before so it will be interesting to see how that turns out.”