Scotland debut for Leithen lad Murray
Photographer-Ian Georgeson- Hearts Vs St Jonhstone Her: David Templeton STJ: Murray Davidson
INNERLEITHEN’S Murray Davidson has targeted further involvement with the Scotland team after making his international debut last week.
The St Johnstone midfielder earned his first cap as a late substitute as interim national team boss Billy Stark secured a 2-1 win in Luxembourg in a midweek fixture.
Davidson’s appearance may have lasted only a few minutes, but it was the first time a Borders player had represented Scotland for four years, since Kevin Thompson in 2008, making him only the eighth player in the region to have done so.
His latest call-up has supporters back home hoping that whoever takes over the top job will keep faith with their rising star.
“It really rankles when these players only get brought off the bench for a few minutes,” said current Leithen Rovers coach Paul Graham.
“He deserves a chance to prove himself in the Scotland set-up and I really hope he gets it. Everyone in Innerleithen is as proud as punch that Murray got his full cap. He was a small lad when he played in the town, but he never let it hamper him and he has a great attitude towards the sport.”
Speaking after the game, Murray told the SPL’s official YouTube channel: “I’m delighted to get the cap. There has been a lot of support from St Johnstone – the fans, the players and people working here – so I’m thrilled.”
After impressive performances for Leithen Vale, Davidson started his senior career with Livingston, where he impressed during the 2008–09 season.
At the end of the season he signed a three-year contract with St Johnstone and made his debut playing in a 5–0 win over Stenhousemuir in the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
He won his first Scotland Under-21 cap in August 2010 in a 1–1 draw with Sweden in the UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifiers.
This came at the third time of asking after being previously called up, but having to withdraw through injury.
In November 2010, Davidson was called up by Scotland manager Craig Levein to the full squad to face the Faroe Islands in a friendly at Pittodrie and again to face Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, but did not make an appearance in either game.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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