Kids’ play is the source of Peter’s pride
Houston claims Scots game will benef it from exuberance of youth
PETER HOUSTON is expecting the Scotland national team to reap rich rewards from the exposure of more young players to top-flight football this season. Houston’s Dundee United outfit provided a clutch of talent for the Under-21 side, primarily thanks to the emergence of Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-steven as regular first-team stars in the SPL. Russell has even earned a call-up to the senior squad from Craig Levein for next weekend’s friendly against United States.
If Celtic are to get their wish, Russell could soon be a club and international team-mate of James Forrest, who was thrown into the Parkhead pressure pot two years ago at the age of 18 by Neil Lennon. Dylan Mcgeouch and Tony Watt have enjoyed scoring cameos in Lennon’s side this term — a season in which Forrest landed a trio of Young Player of the Year awards.
The financial meltdown at Rangers and a declared plan by Hearts to promote their academy players in the immediate future suggests that 2012/13 will further promote the trend.
And the Scotland assistant boss believes the national set-up will benefit for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign and beyond.
Houston said: ‘We’re developing our own players again in Scotland. At Tannadice, we’ve had (Stuart) Armstrong and Russell and we were fortunate to pick up Mackay-steven, who lost confidence due to his hip injury but is in fine form now.
‘Rangers have given opportunities to young (Rhys) Mccabe and others. The kids have benefited from the financial situation at Rangers.
‘I think Hearts will go down the road of playing more youngsters. Ryan Jack is a good young player at Aberdeen. It will only benefit Scottish football and our national team in time.
‘We’re always too quick to criticise our game. I spent 16 months at Leicester and, let me tell you, we try to play more football in the SPL than they do in the Championship — with the exception of two or three teams.
‘It’s lovely to have boys breaking through in the SPL and learning to play that way. The best way for a young player to improve is to play first-team football. That was highlighted at United this season.
‘Johnny has gained confidence from playing many games. David Goodwillie was the same two years ago. He helped us win the Cup, had a great season the following year and got his big-money move.
‘Neil Lennon has recently given Watt and Mcgeouch a chance, so credit to him for that. He did it with Forrest and now he is as good a young player as I’ve seen in this country for a while.
‘James is exceptional. When he played for Scotland in Slovenia, he was terrific. That’s just one of the reasons I’m really excited about the prospects for this campaign.’
Houston will continue to work on Scotland projects after this week’s Florida trip. He will accompany Levein and SFA scout Mick Oliver to the European Championships next month to take in World Cup opponents Croatia’s contests against the Republic of Ireland and Italy.
‘I just wish I was going there as part of a Scotland squad that’s in the competition proper,’ said Houston. ‘Craig is putting his heart and soul into this job, though, and is as desperate as anyone for us to qualify for a major tournament.
‘When Craig first went in, he was finding his feet, finding out about players he could trust and rely on. Now, two-and-a-half years down the line, he’s found that.
‘The last campaign taught us a lot and there’s no doubt we’re in better shape going into this one. Craig is thorough on preparation and the players will know everything there is to know about the opposition. Our scouting staff, Mick Oliver in particular, sort all of that out.
‘Craig is a very good manager and, I think, a couple of years down the road as Scotland manger, he’s picked up plenty. I’ve learned so much from him and I’ve taken a lot from him.
‘I’m really pleased with the way the team has progressed. There is real unity and every player is desperate to be there.’