Feruz notches a hat-trick as Scots win in Nordic Cup

THE scoring form of Celtic striker Islam Feruz in the Nordic Cup carried on into Scotland Under-17s' third game with the youngster netting a hat-trick in their 5-1 win over Faroe Islands, in the heat of Vassa in Finland, to add to the single strikes he hit against Sweden and Norway.

Ross Mathie's youngsters, who were chasing their first victory in this season's tournament, were stunned when early pressure failed to grab a goal and the Faroese youngsters broke up the park and took their first chance after just 15 minutes.

Feruz struck for the first time on the half hour mark to drag Scotland level when he sent home a stunning free kick that swerved and dipped before nestling in the top corner. Kilmarnock's Matthew Kennedy put the Scots ahead just before half-time when he slotted home a penalty after he himself had been brought down. Scotland went two in front on 55 minutes when Feruz cut in from the right wing and sent in a low drive with Kennedy making it four shortly afterwards when he notched his second.

Feruz wrapped things up and the Somalia-born youngster grabbed his first Scotland hat-trick when he netted just before the end.

"Islam's free kick was a bit special and he took his other goals well," said Mathie.

Scotland will now meet Iceland in tomorrow's Fifth and Sixth play-off after Norway and Sweden drew 2-2 to edge Scotland down to third spot. Sweden will play England in tomorrow's final.