The Future Looks Bright

01 March 2012 08:47
The Under 21 structure is meant to find players who can be promoted to the A squad. A number of canmdidates did their cause no harm whatsoever last night in Pailsey

 A decent crowd of 6,067 turned out last night to see Scotland's Under 21s draw 0-0 with the leaders of their UEFA Championship group, the Netherlands. The fine night and attractive ticket pricing structure allowed the under 21s to play in front of four packed stands at St Mirren Park. The media room was packed with a number of journalists who were having to bone up on the qualification structure of the championship during the game as they are more used to following the A squad. Times are hard when the papers don't sanction air fares to Slovenia for a friendly. I hope they and the new faces in the crowd enjoyed the game. I know one journalist from the Netherlands will be glad the game is over. Sitting next to me, he played every ball and leapt for every header when his countrymen were on the attack. His nails just about survived the evening. As the game neared the end he was edging closer and closer to me as he attempted to get on the pitch to help out the young side. I kept a discreet gap between he and I and offered the occasional 'tut' to keep him in his place.

 Johnny Russell was overwhelmed by the media pack when he wandered into the press room clutching his bottle of champagne awarded for being man of the match. He deserved the award as he appeared to be everywhere; probing forward; making and taking changes and even back-tracking to make telling interventions when the visitors threatened the home goal. There appeared to be a new confidence about the side with passes back to the keeper not setting alarm bells in the side. Quick passes and support provided when required is not something we fans can enjoy every game. However, last night both sides showed that games at this level are entertaining and should be supported. No goals but still a worthwhile trip to Paisley although it did take two and half hours to get there!

Source: FOOTYMAD