Gary Mackay-Steven hails Scotland U21s’ new boy Islam Feruz

IT WAS another landmark moment in a career which has already commanded more than its fair share of column inches. While Gary Mackay-Steven got Scotland’s only goal in Wednesday night’s U-21s’ defeat to their Italian counterparts, it was a second half sub who captured so much of the imagination.

Becoming the youngest player to represent the country at U-21 level, Islam Feruz added another chapter to a story which has already assumed the mantle of a modern day fairytale. The 16-year-old came on with 29 minutes of the match remaining and held his own alongside players several years older. And while manager Billy Stark is keen to contain the hype, suggesting it was unlikely the Chelsea youngster would be ousting regular front men such as Jordan Rhodes or Leigh Griffiths when the competitive action begins again next month, against Bulgaria in a European Championship qualifier, he did acknowledge that a bright future awaits the new cap.

It is a success story some time in the making. Born in Somalia, he and his family fled the civil unrest there when he was just five. Arriving in Glasgow, he became a naturalised Scot in 2009, and by then was a rising star in the Celtic youth ranks. He made appearances for the Scotland U-16 and U-17 teams and while Stark says he was happy with his debut at U-21 level and admits he could move even further up the ranks one day, he is in no hurry to see him pitted against more experienced pros as Scotland seek to build on their bright start to the Euro campaign.

“It’s difficult when the spotlight’s on you like that, but Islam’s a level-headed boy and a lot more mature than his age,” said goalscorer and Young Player of the Year nominee, Mackay-Steven. “He’s handled it well and can only improve with age. He’s only 16 and got a really bright future ahead of him. He’s had a lot of attention but seems to be handling it well. He seems to be progressing well at Chelsea and hopefully he’ll continue.”

The Dundee United youngster is well-placed to judge. Mackay-Steven began his career at Ross County before heading to Liverpool five years ago. It could have been a launchpad but instead it was a learning experience as injuries curtailed his opportunities to prosper and he returned north, first to Airdrie United before being signed by Dundee United where he has made the most of his second chance.

In Feruz he sees another youngster following his dream, and, despite the negative headlines which followed the striker as he swapped Celtic Park for Stamford Bridge amid suggestions that attitude could be the biggest hindrance to his ambitions, Mackay-Steven says he has been impressed by how grounded his new team-mate appeared.

“It’s easy to forget how young he is. He’s come into the under-21 squad and not looked out of place at all. He’s making the rest of us feel old! But when you’re training and playing you just forget about age, you’re all just treated the same. We’re just normal guys who like to play football.

“Islam didn’t look out of place coming on to play against Italy, and for a 16-year-old to do that is great. He’ll continue to make headlines. He’s slotted in well with the rest of the boys. There are a few big personalities within the group but he’s just joined in with the rest of the banter. I haven’t seen a cocky side to him. He’s just one of the lads.”

But he wasn’t the only fresh face to impress. Stark used ten substitutes on a night of experimentation, and Mackay-Steven feels a number will have done enough to warrant future inclusion. “I feel we have a lot of talent in the squad and the new boys that came in, like Dylan McGeouch and Islam Feruz, didn’t look out of place at all. It’s nice to know we’ve got strength and depth in the squad,” he said.

“We knew going into the game that Italy were a top side and any mistakes you make, they punish you for it. Their movement, their quick, slick passing, their one-touch passing triangles, always looking to get in behind you – you know if they get a chance nine times out of 10 they’ll put it away. So we need to look at that again and try to cut out the errors. It’s maybe good we had a reality check before the Bulgaria match next month.”

For that, more familiar faces will be recalled, but Mackay-Steven did his odds of playing no harm. In a season already etched in his memory, his first goal for Scotland at U-21 level will be another trinket to treasure.

“I’m delighted with the goal but disappointed with the result. Maybe 4-1 wasn’t a fair reflection on the game but they definitely just edged it. There wasn’t that big a gulf in quality, we just didn’t play as well as we can. It was good to score. I feel at home at this level and I’m just looking forward to the Bulgaria game now.”