The midfielders from the past, present and future of Aberdeen are all combining to help young Don, Cameron Smith, drive Scotland towards success in the Sky Sports Victory Shield with the influence of midweek Co-operative Insurance Cup two goal hero Paul Hartley spreading far from the first team.
Smith, who netted a fine individual goal when Scotland started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland earlier this month, praised the help he has received from three generation of Aberdeen players. Neil Simpson, Hartley, Fraser Fyvie and Jack Grimmer are all helping the youngster start his football career in style.
The Pittodrie youngster, who attends Bridge of Don Academy, looks set to start for the national under-16 side at Falkirk on Friday against shock-troops Wales who defeated England 4-0 in their opening game and he said, “Neil Simpson is the guy that has done the most work with me in terms of developing me as a player. He knows a lot about being a midfielder so it is great to learn from him.”
The Aberdeen daft youngster also sang the praises of Hartley saying, “Having Paul about the club is fantastic and I got to see him in action against Hibs at the weekend. He has always got time for the young players at the club and he passes on hints and tips when he sees us training.”
Two under-16 internationals of recent seasons, Fraser Fyvie and Jack Grimmer, are hoping to show their support for their chum by turning up to watch the game at the Falkirk Stadium with Smith saying, “My Mum and Dad along with my Grandma and Grandad are coming to watch as well as a few pals. Fraser and Jack will also be here if training allows that which is great. They were involved in Scotland games in this competition over the past two years and it would be great if I could make the same progress they have.”
“I am playing at under-17 level just now for Aberdeen but I was a substitute for the under-19’s at the weekend so hopefully I will be seeing more of these guys as I go along.”
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