AN Inverkeithing High pupil is celebrating scoring a double after a call-up to the Scottish Schools under-18 squad led to him signing pro with Livingston FC.
Michael Scott (17) will net his first national cap after being selected by Scottish coaches from a hopeful band of 32 schoolkids who were put through their paces at Toryglen.
The striker had secured his place in the final 32 by scoring at a regional trial at Dalgety Bay sports centre, where he was spotted by Livingston talent scouts.
Michael said, "The first trial went well, though I didn't play as well as I could have at the final trial, but I was surprised and delighted to get in.
"I was at East Fife earlier this year but wasn't enjoying my football so I got my papers back.
"I signed for Livingston in November and played for their under-19s against Ayr.
"It was 1-1 at half-time then I came on and scored and we won 5-1, so it worked out well." The striker is so dedicated to his football he once decided to turn out for the school team on the morning of his drama exam.
He had to leave the action at half-time of a 7-0 victory over Beath High to go on to sit his test successfully.
Michael, of Collins Crescent, Dalgety Bay, added, "I've always wanted to be a pro footballer. I'm training part-time just now as I'm still at school but I'm hoping to go full-time at the end of the year.
"It's a great set-up at Livingston and I feel I'm really developing there.
"They teach you a lot about movement and I'm getting one-on-one training with Robbie Winters so I'm learning a lot."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here