ETHAN HAMILTON watched Scott McTominay blossom from a Manchester United youth star right into a Tartan Army hero.
Now the Dundee midfielder desires to observe him into the Scotland set-up.
Hamilton, 27, was tipped for a call-up by membership boss Steven Pressley, and was one of many gamers Steve Clarke assessed in final month’s Dundee derby.
He mentioned: “Scott was a few years older than me at United and he’s finished superb. He was all the time very good technically, however to see how nicely he’s finished has been glorious.
“He deserves it for all of the onerous work he places in.
“I performed in some video games with Scott, he all the time had that expertise and mindset so it’s nice to see him accomplish that nicely.
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“I was 15 when I moved down, so I’d been in England ever since actually. The scout that took me there was from up right here then I labored with Ricky Sbragia.
“He was actually good to me and helped me loads. When you’re that age, you in all probability don’t suppose making the transfer is a giant factor.
“It was good and to have that sort of schooling coming by the ranks there was nice — sensible recollections.
“I went into digs initially after which my gran moved down as nicely which was nice.
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“My mum and my grandpa would even be down most weekends once they might.
“It was an important expertise for them as nicely, they cherished it however they’re having fun with having me again up the street.
“My household are up at all the video games pestering me for tickets.
“But coming back up to Scotland has been really enjoyable.”
Pressley has been banging the drum for the combative midfielder and, after representing Scotland at Under-19 degree, a full cap could be his dream.
Hamilton added: “It was good of the supervisor to say what he did, however it’s not one thing you consider an excessive amount of.
“You have that dream to go and signify your nationwide workforce.
“It could be superb to do this however whether or not that’s on the horizon, I don’t know.
“Every Scottish participant will all the time have that dream and aspiration to do this — however I simply should carry out in addition to I can and perhaps someday that will likely be a actuality.
Scott McTominay’s profession
Born in Lancaster on December 8, 1996
Joined the Manchester United youth system aged 5 and signed his first skilled contract in 2013
Made his Premier League debut in opposition to Arsenal in May 2017
McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man Utd
Made 255 appearances and scored 29 objectives for the Red Devils
McTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7million
Won Serie A title and was named finest participant within the league in his first season in Italy
Born in England, he certified for Scotland by his dad who’s from Helensburgh
McTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to develop into an enormous Hampden favorite
He was a part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024
He gained his fiftieth cap whereas taking part in in opposition to Germany at Euro 2024
McTominay has scored some big objectives for Scotland, together with THAT unbelievable overhead kick to encourage the 4-2 win over Denmark that clinched a spot at 2026 World Cup
“I really feel that I’m getting into my prime. Coming up right here has been a breath of recent air for me.
“I’m just enjoying my football, which is the most important thing — I’ve learned that as long as I’m doing that, there’s not much more you can ask for.”
Hamilton scored a thunderbolt of a objective in opposition to Celtic when the groups met within the Scottish Cup in February — just for Dundee to lose 2-1 in extra-time.
Having by no means performed within the SPFL earlier than this season, the midfielder is loving with the ability to expertise it for the primary time after years speaking the Scottish sport as much as buddies down south.
Hamilton, who signed from Lincoln City final summer time, mentioned: “We understand how good a workforce Celtic are and the way troublesome it will likely be right here.
“The objective I scored in opposition to them within the Scottish Cup was proper up there for me.
“As a workforce we simply should attempt to convey the identical degree of efficiency that we reached within the Cup sport.
“We have loads to play for ourselves. The gaffer has talked about 38 factors is the goal to retain our league standing.
“We must get as many factors on the board as we are able to.
“I’ve cherished it being again in Scotland and dealing with the employees right here has been glorious.
“The notion in England is that the Scottish league is just not nice, however the sport is basically tactical up right here.
“I used to inform those that it was higher than they thought.
“When you play down the street, it’s Saturday-Tuesday and there’s not a lot time to work on stuff.
“There are sure issues groups are doing which might be in all probability fairly intelligent to assist them.
“There is also that physicality, energy and aggression in the games which is good.”
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