SEAN'S CALL-UP PROVES WE'RE ON THE BALL, SAYS YOUTH GAFFER
by Paul Behan
The Paisley Daily Express
Oct 9 2009
DAVID Longwell believes the inclusion of Sean Burns in the Scotland
Under-19 squad which will play three games in Austria is further
proof that St Mirren's youth policy is alive and kicking.
Burns is in the squad for the Under-19 qualification matches against
Romania, Armenia and host nation Austria.
He is the latest Saint to be handed international recognition and
follows in the footsteps of first team ace Stephen McGinn.
Midfielder McGinn is in the Scotland Under-21 squad for tomorrow's
UEFA qualifying game with Belarus at St Mirren Park.
And St Mirren's head of youth development Longwell has pointed out that
the club is currently seeing additional success across the age groups.
He said: "It's great to see Sean doing so well and getting picked
for the Scotland Under-19s for these matches in Austria.
"It will give him plenty of experience and, when you look at what
Stephen McGinn is doing in the Scotland Under-21s, it's a real
inspiration for young players to see what can be achieved.
"The most pleasing thing is that we are starting to get players
across all the age groups being capped for their country and that's
not something that has happened at this club for a while.
"We also have Conor Ramsay in the Scotland Under-17s squad and he's
in line to play against Cyprus, Georgia and Portugal later this month.
"Together with Chris Ketterer, he was also picked for the Scotland
Under-17s squad for the Nordic Cup this year and that in itself was
another big honour.
"And there is Craig Slater and Thomas Reilly, who've both been blooded
for the Scotland Under-16s team, so all in all, it's looking very
promising for the youngsters at our club.
"We are delighted with this international recognition and it's a
tribute to the work of all the coaches and players at the club."
by Paul Behan
The Paisley Daily Express
Oct 9 2009
DAVID Longwell believes the inclusion of Sean Burns in the Scotland
Under-19 squad which will play three games in Austria is further
proof that St Mirren's youth policy is alive and kicking.
Burns is in the squad for the Under-19 qualification matches against
Romania, Armenia and host nation Austria.
He is the latest Saint to be handed international recognition and
follows in the footsteps of first team ace Stephen McGinn.
Midfielder McGinn is in the Scotland Under-21 squad for tomorrow's
UEFA qualifying game with Belarus at St Mirren Park.
And St Mirren's head of youth development Longwell has pointed out that
the club is currently seeing additional success across the age groups.
He said: "It's great to see Sean doing so well and getting picked
for the Scotland Under-19s for these matches in Austria.
"It will give him plenty of experience and, when you look at what
Stephen McGinn is doing in the Scotland Under-21s, it's a real
inspiration for young players to see what can be achieved.
"The most pleasing thing is that we are starting to get players
across all the age groups being capped for their country and that's
not something that has happened at this club for a while.
"We also have Conor Ramsay in the Scotland Under-17s squad and he's
in line to play against Cyprus, Georgia and Portugal later this month.
"Together with Chris Ketterer, he was also picked for the Scotland
Under-17s squad for the Nordic Cup this year and that in itself was
another big honour.
"And there is Craig Slater and Thomas Reilly, who've both been blooded
for the Scotland Under-16s team, so all in all, it's looking very
promising for the youngsters at our club.
"We are delighted with this international recognition and it's a
tribute to the work of all the coaches and players at the club."