It’s been an impressive start to life as Scotland under-19’s manager for Dunoon native Neil MacFarlane.
The former professional took on the job in August, having worked on Brentford’s staff, and has lost only once since taking on this additional role.
The 19’s beat Lichtenstein 4-0 at Cappielow, and held France – arguably the country with the most talent in world football – to a 0-0 draw.
However, a 1-0 loss to Wales previously means that they will not progress to what’s known as the elite round of the European Championship, as the fellow Brits pipped them to second place by a singular point.
MacFarlane has inadvertently faced some criticism, as Motherwell starlet, Lennon Miller, was called up to the squad, despite many fans believing the teenager is good enough for the senior side – never mind the 21’s.
Despite this, the former Queen of the South player benched the midfielder in their game against Lichtenstein.
It would not prove to be costly, however, as goals from Alfie Bavidge, Rory MacLeod and Dylan Watret secured a comfortable win.
The strength of MaFarlane’s squad shows that their is serious quality in the youth ranks of the nation, with the aforementioned Bavidge and Watret gaining meaningful minutes in the Championship with Ayr United, and others like Ryan One earning big-money moves south of the border after breaking through at a young age.
And perhaps the jewel of the crown, in Lennon Miller, was to return to the line-up against the French, and captain the side at Falkirk Stadium, where they dominated possession and created several chances.
Rudi Allan-Molotnikov and Alfie Bavidge would come close in the first half, with Allan-Molotnikov forcing a great save from the French goalkeeper, Paul Argney.
Despite controlling much of the play, Scotland struggled to find the breakthrough, with Josh Dede denied a penalty and Cummings’ late shot saved by Argney meaning, ultimately, MacFarlane’s side crashed out at the qualification stage.
