Stephen Welsh has warned France that Scotland’s U-17 side won’t be standing back admiring their silky skills in tomorrow’s clash in Croatia.
Alongside Celtic team-mate Daniel Church, Welsh has played in every match in an eight game sequence that has saw Scotland conceded just two goals.
A clean sheet against France will ensure Scotland a place in the knock out phase with Welsh taking inspiration from a local hero.
“It’s good for me to train alongside guys like Kolo Toure or Jozo Simunovic,” he told The Sun. “Kolo, for example, has done just about everything in the game. Every time you see him train or play you learn something.
“And Jozo’s tackle against Rangers was probably one of the best I’ve ever seen. Maybe I’ll need to do something like that against France.”
Welsh added: “We hate losing goals. I think we’re solid as a defensive united. We go into every game determined to keep a clean sheet so losing the goal to Hungary hurt.
“We love defending and the ugly side of the game. That’s why we’re there!
“We relish clean sheets, putting tackles in, winning headers and we had a few clearances off the line. We put our bodies on the line in every game.”
Celtic team-mate Robbie Deas played alongside Church and Welsh in the first six qualifiers but was suspended for the 2-0 win over the Faroe Isles and was left on the bench for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Hungary.
Captain Jack Aitchison was on the scoresheet against the Faroes and was joined by Kerr McInroy in the 1-1 draw with Hungary.
France certainly look to be in form after beating the Faroes 7-0 following their 3-2 loss to Hungary in their opening match with the Hungarians looking certain to go through as group winners with a win over the Faroes.
