Burnley teenager ready to represent his nation!

Burnley teenager Ryan Fulton has been called up to Ricky Sbragia’s Scotland Under 21 squad.
Goalkeeper Ryan FultonGoalkeeper Ryan Fulton
Goalkeeper Ryan Fulton

The 19-year-old goalkeeper, capped at youth level when helping the Under 16s win the Victory Shield, will battle it out with Hearts stopper Jack Hamilton and Jonathan Henly for the number one jersey.

The Scots take on France in a UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifier at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie Stadium tomorrow before hosting Iceland at the same venue on Tuesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I can’t wait,” said the former Fulledge Colt. “We’re playing France and Iceland so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been with them once before and played in a friendly but these are qualifying games so I want to prove myself.

“It’s a dream come true for me. Featuring on the international stage is what every player wants to do so this is a massive bonus for me. It’s a real honour for me and my family.

“It’s up to me to impress. I’ve got to work hard and train well if I’m to get a game. International football is a new experience for me and I hope I get a chance to play in the qualifiers.”

The one-time Shuttleworth College student has also been promoted to Liverpool’s first team squad where he’s now third choice behind Anfield duo Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fulton made the bench last month when the Reds were reliant on penalties to beat League Two Carlisle in the third round of the Capital One Cup. Former Claret Danny Ings was on the scoresheet though his strike was cancelled out by Derek Asamoah.

The Rangers supporter, who has been with Liverpool since 2007, said: “I’m starting to experience big levels of football in a pressurised environment and that can only help with my development.

“You just have to look at the calibre of players that I’ll be training around and playing around to see how it’s going to help. Just being around them and watching how they go about things day-to-day helps you progress. I’m training with the best because there’s some great professionals at the club.

“I’m based with the first team now so it’s a great experience. I’m working with the likes of Mignolet and Bogdan who have a lot of experience and are always trying to help me improve.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Being among the Under 21s has helped me get game time too and they’re a group of good players who are also trying to make it to the first team.”

Fulton, who has Lawrence Vigouroux as his main competitor when featuring for the club’s Under 21s, is now under the watchful eye of coach John Achterberg at Melwood while Jim Leighton will have his input throughout the international breaks.

“They’ve both got a lot of good advice and experience,” Fulton said. “I’m learning all the time because they both know the game.

“I have a lot of respect for them. Being around them will help me become a better player and hopefully that will lead to some first team experience.”