Perth striker Abbie Ferguson has spoken of her extreme pride after being called into the Scotland under-19s squad.
The former Perth Grammar student (18), who is on loan at Partick Thistle from Celtic, is travelling with the national team for a UEFA Championship qualifiers double-header next week.
Albania and then Liechtenstein will provide the opposition, with both games taking place in the city of Tirana.
This is Ferguson’s first Scotland call-up since the U16 age group and she is delighted that her hard work is paying off.
A former Jeanfield Swifts youth star, she told the PA: “I was honestly really surprised to be called up but it was something I felt I had deserved.
“There have been a few U19 squads this season and I felt quite unfortunate to not be getting selected for them.
“I feel now as if I have been given some recognition for my hard work and good performances over the season.
“It’s such a proud moment for me, especially after being out of the national set up for a few years now. It can sometimes be quite tough to fight your way back in.
“Representing your country is what every athlete in the world wants to do so I’m extremely proud that I’ve got the opportunity to do that.
“I previously represented Scotland at U16 level a few years ago out in Malta and it was a really special moment for me. I also scored a few goals too so it definitely made me want to continue representing Scotland throughout the age groups.”
Ferguson feels her development is being boosted by regular game-time in SWPL1 with Partick Thistle and turned the spotlight in the direction of manager Brian Graham.
She said: “I have absolutely been loving my time at Partick Thistle.
“Going out on loan was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At first I actually didn’t really want to go on loan but I’m really glad I made the right decision and went for it.
“It can also be quite difficult picking the right club but I’m so happy that I went with Partick Thistle.
“I had quite a slow start to the season and struggled a bit finding my feet but, after a few months, I felt as if I had developed loads and I was consistently playing well.
“I also felt I had matured as a person as well as a footballer. Brian Graham has been a massive part of my development and I honestly am so grateful that he has given me the opportunity to play first team football with Thistle.
“We have just qualified for top six in the league which is a massive achievement for the club, considering this is their second season in the top flight.
“Hibs are only one point ahead of us so I think as a team we feel we can go and challenge them.”
Of course, Ferguson has never once forgotten the positive impact Jeanfield Swifts had on her earlier days in football.
“I honestly couldn’t talk higher of my time at Jeanfield,” Ferguson told the PA.
“It was my first ever club and I played there for about nine years so it’s something I’ll never forget.
“Jeanfield played a massive part in my development and I still tell people that Donna Shaw was one of the best coaches I’ve had.
“I remember being at Jeanfield and every age group having a really strong squad so it showed that the coaches were doing a really good job.
“I loved every minute playing for Jeanfield and I always remember it being so enjoyable, which was probably the most important thing when I was that age.
“Jeanfield have developed lots of young girls, including Maisy Stewart who is now also at Celtic. I know a few of the girls have also gone on to play football in SWPL1.”
Even now, particular memories from playing at the Riverside club are not forgotten.
Ferguson said: “I have loads of memories playing with Jeanfield and it’s hard to pick my favourite.
“But one of them was winning the League Cup at U15s. It was something the club was really proud of and it was my first trophy as a player so that definitely sticks out.
“And another would probably be playing Celtic in a pre-season friendly and we drew 4-4. I actually scored all four goals and that was the game that got me scouted for Celtic.
“I think my best memories are just me being a young girl running about enjoying my football. I remember always being the smallest on the team and my kit never fitting me.”
Donna Shaw, who coached Ferguson when at Jeanfield, also has very fond memories of a young striker with obvious ability.
She told the PA: “There were many memorable goals and performances.
“I observed early that Abbie had all the attributes of an excellent striker, her eye for goal and unshakable competitiveness.”
One particular memory surfaced: “We were in the Lisa Evans under-13s League Cup final in St Andrews in 2014 against Forfar Farmington.
“Abbie (11) was in the under 11s squad and was in transition to the 13s due to her quality to give her experience playing against players who were physically stronger than her.
“Abbie walked the squad out that day as our “mascot” but didn’t realise she was actually on the team-sheet just in case we needed a goal!
“Abbie was subbed on with 10 minutes to go. She didn’t manage to get us that win but everyone knew who Abbie was after that.”
