CHIPPENHAM youngster Callum Gunner is hoping to take another major step towards earning a spot in Scotland’s Victory Shield squad when he represents their U16s in two upcoming friendly clashes.

The 15-year-old midfielder is a member of Swindon Town’s Academy and was first earmarked for international honours in February when he took part in a week-long training camp in Turkey, alongside teammates and fellow Chippenham teenagers Jordan Young and Will Christopher.

Despite missing another U16s meet-up due to his involvement in Swindon’s Milk Cup junior section Salver-winning squad in August, the Sheldon School pupil has been picked as part of Scot Gemmill’s 21-strong squad for a double-header against the Netherlands.

“It is a great feeling to be in the squad and all I can do is try and show my ability,” said Gunner.

“It is a big opportunity for me and if I can play well I can get in the Victory Shield squad which is another big opportunity.”

Scotland take on the Dutch at Greenmock Morton’s Cappielow Park ground on Sunday before playing a behind-closed-doors match against the same opposition on Tuesday morning.

Dad Mark said: “It’s quite surreal to think that he’ll be playing against the Netherlands and you can see how well he’s done to get picked when you see players from teams like Newcastle and Rangers and Celtic in the squad.

“The Victory Shield is at the end of October and I think that if he plays well this weekend, then he should hopefully be there.

“He wants to be playing live on Sky Sports and he’s been doing well so he deserves that chance.”