DRUMCHAPEL Amateurs have been buoyed by the news their star striker has been called up to the Scottish amateur national side.

Twenty-one-year-old Ryan Hynes has been recognised for his efforts for the Glenhead Park side, which has seen him fire his way to the top of the club’s scoring chart.

Hynes cruelly missed out on a place in the Scotland squad last campaign due to a season ending injury which also damaged his club side’s chances of success in the Scottish Cup.

Now, following his recovery from a ligament injury, the Drum star is hoping to make up for lost time as the squad jet out to Lithuania to take on the cream of the European amateur set-up.

He told SportScene: “I’m really excited about and can’t wait to get going.

“I am like a wee boy, I’m so excited and just want to be going right now.

“We are facing the likes of Germany, Slovakia and England — I don’t really know much about the other two but England tend to be strong and physical, but they will all be tough games.

“I came so close last time round, but my injury really set me back — now with my injury out of the way I can relax and play football again.

“The call-up has come as an added bonus as I was only given the all clear in August, now I am trying to make up for lost time.” With an international call up now to his name and the season only just getting under way, Hynes admitted he is already looking ahead, adding: “Amateurs is definitely the hardest level but I would love to test myself at the higher leagues.

“My aim is to one day go professional and I have already received some offers from the juniors.

“I have still got a few years ahead of me but that is ultimately my main aim.” And excitement isn’t restricted to Hynes but extended to the club where the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes made their name.

Chairman Charlie Devlin said: “I am awfully delighted for Ryan, he is a fantastic talent and could go really far in the game.

“He has a real chance in football and I really mean that.

“It is all the more pleasing as he experienced a bad injury last season which ultimately halted our Scottish Cup charge but he is only 21 and has everything he needs.

“As a club we are extremely proud of his call up.”