Malky Mackay 'devastated' for Ross County teenager Dylan Smith as 16-year-old misses out on Under-17 European Championship campaign with Scotland
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After starting five of Scotland's six qualifying matches for the Under-17 European Championships, Dylan Smith would have had every reason to believe he would feature at the main event itself.
Scotland kick off their tournament against France this afternoon, though, and the 16-year-old is nowhere to be seen in the national team squad.
It is not necessarily a bad thing for the Ross County youngster. Rather than being left on the sidelines through national under-17 boss Brian McLaughlin's choice, he has instead established himself so well in the Staggies squad that Malky Mackay would not let him go.
Indeed, eight of Smith's 10 appearances for County this season have come since mid-February, including a run of four consecutive starts in April.
Knowing that the international competition would take place before the end of the season, then, Mackay says it was disappointing, but expected, that Smith would stay in Dingwall.
“It is just unfortunate," he reasoned.
"I’m really close with Brian McLaughlin, the national 17s manager, and clearly while I was at the Scottish FA one of the big drivers for me was getting our best youngsters playing in tournaments.
“The 17s have got to the finals again, back to back, which is a great achievement for Brian and the national team.
“Myself, the staff, everyone here was so proud of Dylan putting on a Scotland strip this year, but as soon as we qualified I realised what the dates were.
“They haven’t changed this year, but the dates have pushed on because of the World Cup. It was a shambles when I realised and it unfortunately meant that unless we were in a really strong position in the top six, he was going to have to stay.
“We’ve had hand over fist injuries. Had he been ninth substitute and only around about the squad, I’d have let him go, but he's actually playing.
“I’m absolutely devastated for him – and for us – and for Scotland as well because he was an absolute focal point to the qualification.
“To go and play against France, Germany and Portugal in the European Championships is something you should do, but once you’re involved in the Premiership in Scotland that starts to get to the next level.
“Dylan understands, as does Brian, but I’m just gutted about the dates to be honest with you.”
Smith will inevitably have been disappointed to miss out on the under-17s showcase after his performances in qualifying, but having known that would be the case for months it does not seem to have adversely affected his progress.
That mental resilience, Mackay believes, can help him continue to reach new heights in years to come.
“He gets where he is on his journey and understands he has lots to learn," Mackay added.
“His next driver, now, is to get into Scotland’s under-19s and then beyond.
“It is just the start of his journey and it is another accolade that he takes in his stride, as he does everything else - and he keeps learning, working hard, and he keeps his head down.
“I’ve said before, kids can get carried away with being put in spotlight and thinking they’re something at 16, 17. Then at 21 they are playing in some league you’ve never heard of.
“Similarly there are those that quietly go under the radar and then eventually become footballers.”
