Falkirk man helps Scotland land silver at Four Nations Transplant Football
Scotland’s transplant football team earned a runners up place at the Four Nations Transplant Football after being defeated by tournament favourites England.
Falkirk's Martin McIntosh played his part as Scotland triumphed over Northern Ireland 3-2 and Wales 2-0 in the group stages to earn their spot in the final. England, however, proved one match too far, defeating the home side 9-1 to claim the trophy.
More than 60 players from across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each of whom has undergone life-saving transplant surgery, participated in the tournament, which was held in Scotland for the first time.
Pupils from nearby Dingwall Primary School cheered on the teams in the early stages, and the final, played in Ross County's Dingwall Stadium, enjoyed an impressive and passionate crowd.
Transplant donation information was also available throughout the day, with the competition supported by NHS Highland Organ Donation.
Scotland's impressive second place performance, despite only forming 18 months ago, set them up well for the Transplant World Cup taking place in Frankfurt later this year.
Martin said of representing his country: "It was a great feeling to play my part in the Four Nations, especially knowing we reached the final. Having the local school kids cheering us on in the first two games was brilliant, and the crowd in the last two games was amazing.
"Overall, it has made me more eager to play in the World Cup later this year."
On what the experience has meant beyond the pitch, he added: "We have grown as a team, we are not just a team, we are a family. I was sponsored by the family of one of my team-mates, and I am so grateful for everything they did."
With the Transplant World Cup kicking off in September, Martin and his Scotland teammates will be hoping to carry the momentum of their home tournament success onto the international stage, and possibly return with more silverware.
In Scotland, anyone aged 12-years-old or over can choose to become an organ and tissue donor, with people aged 16-years-old and above able to formally opt in or out of the Organ Donor Register.
For more information on organ donation in Scotland or how to help fundraise for the service visit the Organ Donation Website.