international bright young things

As Aiden McGeady made his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland against Portugal in February, two young Scottish players were also turning out on international duty. Nothing of much import there, you might think, except that neither of the two opted to play for the country they were born in, preferring instead to represent Northern Ireland, ironically in a friendly against Scotland.

The first is an interesting case because brian McLean plays for Rangers. It could be that he will be on the receiving end of a hail of potatoes and a cacophony of abuse from the Copland Road Stand or at Tynecastle should he ever make the Rangers first team. It's more likely he will be hailed as a hero, the way Neil Lennon wasn't when he played for Northern Ireland. 'It would be the greatest moment of my career to be given the chance to represent Northern Ireland,' the youngster said.

And why not? Is there any reason at all why he should be subjected to a grilling from Chick Young because he chose to play for one international side over another? Is he to be the subject of coruscating editorials in the papers from the likes of Stuart Cosgrove because of his lack of patriotic fervour for the Motherland?

The other young player in question is Gretna's defender Bryan Gilfillan, born in Cardenden in Fife. It's not every day that Gretna can boast an international player on their books so it was hardly surprising that this young man's inclusion in the squad caused some excitement. Chairman Brooks Mileson was reported to be flying a 30-strong group of the club's supporters to Northern Ireland to share the historic occasion and see Gretna's first international make his debut. Mileson said: 'We're very proud that Bryan's become our first international. We wanted to show our support.'

It's a nice wee story, and there's absolutely no reason why Mileson shouldn't make such a magnanimous gesture to support one of his players. Would that Brian Quinn were able to make a similar gesture and fly a contingent of Celtic fans over to Dublin to support Aiden McGeady (I know, I know, but just go with it for a second). 'We're very proud that Aiden is making his full international debut at the age of 18. We wanted to show our support.'

You can picture the acres of newsprint simply gushing with the positive publicity such a story would generate for Celtic can't you?

Maybe somebody should ask about why Celtic might be reluctant to do such a thing at Jack McConnell's next meeting.

MARMADUKE BAGLEHOLE