On Thursday, August 12, 2004, the Post reported...

A TRIO of talented young footballers from Clydebank are just one step away from representing Scotland at European football.

The youngsters have already come through a gruelling first round coaching day, where they had to work hard to show a panel of judges that they have what it takes to represent the nation.

And their on-the-ball skills certainly did the trick after they made it onto a shortlist of only 50 boys and girls from all over Scotland for the prize of a lifetime — representing the “Coca-Cola Scotland Select” in a mini European tournament at the home of the European Championships, FC Porto, Estadio Do Dragao.

They will travel to Hampden for the final selection day, where only 16 of the finalists, eight boys and eight girls, will make the cut.

One of the lucky three locals hoping to make it through is twelve-year-old Scott Kelly.

Scott, who plays with Hamilton Academical’s pro-youth team, would love to turn professional after leaving St Andrew’s High School.

Also hoping for future footballing stardom are Clydebank cousins Jordan McIntosh and Richard Poole, who will both be hoping to make it through.

Both are members of Duntocher Boys Club.

Richard, 13, said: “At the coaching days we were training hard, showing off our football skills.”

Jordan, also 13, added: “We played at the Glasgow Power League and we got a letter through the next week telling us we had made it to the last 50. I’m confident for Thursday.”