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Daily Record
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Record Sport Online

Ewan Urain on 'magician' Stephen Kelly and his divided loyalties if Scotland faced Spain

Scotland under 21 striker Ewan Urain believes there is a conveyor belt of talent coming through the Scottish youth set-up.

The 21-year-old striker currently plays for Athletic Bilbao in Spain.

The Scottish striker, who is also eligible to play for Spain, recently received a call-up for the Under-21 side.

Born in Durango, Spain, Urain qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother.

Speaking to the BBC prior to the Scotland under 21 side taking on Turkey in a European qualifier, Urain spoke of the atmosphere in the Scotland camp and his thoughts on the talented group of players at Scot Gemmill's disposal.

He lauded the ability of Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly and said: "I think there are some very special players in the squad.

"To play alongside and beside them is something that is very special.

"I especially like Glenn [Middleton]. He is the one that would most like to learn Spanish, I don't know why.

"There is also Stephen Kelly, I call him 'El Mago' which is the magician.

"They are both very special players and I learn so much training with them."

Urain believes there are obvious differences in how football is played in Scotland compared to what he experiences on a daily basis with his club side Athletic Bilbao.

He believes that the pace in which the game is played, is the biggest difference in style between the two nations, he said: "I think in Scotland the game is more physical and more direct.

"It is also because at my club, we are used to a slow pace and elaborating the play more.

"But here with Scotland I feel as though I can learn to use my head."

Urain, although born in Spain, has strong ties to Scotland through his mother. When asked as to how he would feel about facing off against the country of his birth he insisted that he would look forward to the occasion, he said: "Yeah it would be great.

"All of my friends would hate me, but no problem about it.

"I remember I got a call from Scott [Gemmill] and he asked me if I was eligible and if I would come and I told him that I would be delighted to come here.

"Playing for Scotland is very special for me and for my family.

"My mother she misses Scotland but I am making her proud."

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