First team regulars Tam Scobbie (pictured below) and Scott Arfield were in contention for a starting place with the Scotland under-21 side in their European Championship qualifier match against Finland.

Both players have recently made the quick step-up from the under-19s, where Scobbie captained the side.

Academy spokesperson Ross Wilson, said: "It's a fantastic achievement for them to be playing at under-21 level. They are extremely proud and honoured every time they pull on their country's shirt.

"It's great for the club, the Academy, and a testament to the programme we have here. They are also setting a great example to the other youngsters and showing them exactly what they can achieve.

"Tam has just taken everything in his stride at this level. Steven Naismith is the current captain of the under 21s but, when he moves up, I am sure Tam will be looking to try and get hold of the armband there as well.

"Scott, meanwhile, just loves the whole idea of being away and training somewhere different and in a new climate. When he scored his first goal for his country in Portugal recently he was absolutely delighted."

But they are not the only Academy international interests this week – young midfielder Graeme McGregor has been named in the Scottish under-15 squad.

The Larbert High pupil will line-up for the national side for two matches against Belgium next week.

"It's great for Graeme as he is a local lad," said Ross. "We hold him in really high regard and also have very high hopes for two or three others at that age group.

"Hopefully Graeme can make the Victory Shield squad in the summer and take part in a prestigious tournament, following in the footsteps of Blair Young last year."

The last few weeks have also seen increasing transfer activity from the Academy management team as they begin to prepare their squads for next season.

Last week, we reported that a young Australian defender from English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers had been on trial at the club.

"The player did very well in a practice match last week," said Ross. "And we have offered him a contract but he has another option in Scotland, along with others elsewhere – so we are hoping to find out his decision next week."

And, while coaching staff wait on the outcome, other possible targets are already being explored.

"We have a 17-year-old Swedish player on trial, who has been playing his football in Britain," said Ross. "So we will look at how he performs in a bounce game.

"Eddie May and I will also be travelling down to Warwick to take in the FA Premier 'exit trials'. All the young players who have not made it at the Manchester Uniteds and the Arsenals of this world will be playing, so we will see if there is anyone who will catch our eye."

Meanwhile, the under-19s were defeated 2-1 last weekend by Kilmarnock.
Ross was generally happy with the efforts of the young Bairns, but saved particular praise for the performance of 15-year-old Keiran Duffie. "Keiran played at right back and was excellent," added Ross. "We have been thrilled with his progress and he is yet another Academy player who is making great strides."