Morton trio to star in under-18 Scotland v England match at Cappielow this week
THREE of Morton's most promising young footballers are set to line up for Scotland when they take on the Auld Enemy at Cappielow.
The club is playing host to one of the biggest clashes in the youth international calendar as the under-18s Scottish Schools team takes on England in the Centenary Shield - the second year in a row that the tournament has come to Greenock.
St Stephen's High pupil Niall Graham will be joined by club teammates Cameron Keay and Fraser Rodger, who have all come through the ranks at the Cappielow club's youth set-up.
Scottish Schools Football Association president Gillian Duffy, from Greenock, who is the first woman to hold the title, has been instrumental in raising the profile of youth football.
Top line up at Cappielow (Image: George Munro)
As part of the match there are also some special events to celebrate the match coming to Inverclyde, including a football competition.
Gillian said: "We would like to thank Morton for their incredible support.
"It is really special to have a game like this in our home town. It is also amazing that there are three players from Morton who will be playing on the day.
"I hope as many people as possible turn out to see some future football stars."
It's the second year in a row that Cappielow has played host to a Centenary Shield fixture, with the Scotland youngsters having played their Wales counterparts at Morton's home ground in March 2024, the visitors winning the game 4-2.
Gillian added: "I have to thank everyone at Greenock Morton for supporting the Scottish Schools FA by hosting this game.
"Last year there was an amazing atmosphere amongst the supporters and this year I am sure it will be replicated.
"There is always something special about the Scottish Schools v English Schools game and I am honoured to be able to bring it to my home town as president.”
Morton general manager Dale Pryde-MacDonald said: "It’s an honour for us to host another Scotland Schoolboys fixture at Cappielow, especially with it being Scotland v England.”
"It is a fantastic opportunity for people to come along and support the Schoolboys, more so with three of our own players being included in the squad it adds a real emotional tie to it.
"Last year when we hosted the Scotland v Wales game there was a terrific atmosphere, and we would love to have that again this year.”
Morton players left Cameron Keay and Niall Graham (Image: George Munro)
Cameron and Niall, both aged 17, are enjoying the build up and ready to take on the best young players in England.
Cameron said: "It is special to be playing at Cappielow. It is a big occasion and we are hoping for a large crowd. I am very proud to be representing my country."
Niall, from Port Glasgow, is also geared up for kick off.
He added: "I can't wait for match day. I will be very proud to play for Scotland and my family will be here to see me."
The boys, now in their sixth year at school, train with Morton most days and fit their school studies around their training.
To mark the occasion, Gillian has asked local primary schools to take part in a poetry competition, organised by football historian David Coutts.
Fraser Rodger (Image: contributed) David, from Gourock, leads the Hampden Collection project, which was set up in 2017 to preserve and promote Scotland's pioneering role in the history of the game through the stories of the three football grounds to have borne the name Hampden Park,
Author Julie McNeill, the official poet or 'makar' for the Scotland women's national team, is also involved.
Former European Cup Winners Cup winner John McMaster, is also an ambassador and will be supporting team on the day.
The match is supported by Dalrada and sponsors local firm Clyde Eats.
Friday's match kicks off at 1pm and the club and the organisers are hoping to see a bumper turnout from Inverclyde's football fans.
Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children. All child tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket.
