Scots under-20s urged to take inspiration from ICT
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SEAN Lineen will bring the Scotland under-20 squad to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium tonight looking to draw inspiration from Caley Thistle feats in the Scottish Premier League at home this season.
Inverness have put themselves within touching distance of finishing in the SPL’s top six for the first time in the club’s history.
Coach Lineen is well aware of how well Caley Thistle have done so far this season and he is hopeful his Scotland team can emulate their hosts by beating Wales tonight in the latest set of fixtures in the RBS Under-20 Six Nations Championship.
"The players are looking forward to going to Inverness," said the New Zealand-born former Scotland international. "Hopefully, there will be a decent crowd.
"We will be playing on a pitch where there has been a bit of success on the football front, with Caley Thistle doing pretty well. It would be good if some of that rubbed off on us."
Wales currently lead the championship and are unbeaten so far, but Scotland are coming off the back off two excellent wins against Italy and Ireland and a strong showing in a narrow defeat to England.
Scotland last beat their Welsh rivals in 2009 at McDiarmid Park, Perth, kicking six penalties as they won 18-17.
That match featured many names who have gone on to represent Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh including Henry Pyrgos, Chris Fusaro, Peter Horne and Richie Grey.
Richie’s younger brother Jonny, who is also a towering second-row, is the current captain of the under-20 side.
"These young lads have some belief and they are talented," said Lineen. "Their work rate is impressive and they are the stars of the future.
"They really want to do well. They are desperate to do something special."
The last time the Scotland under-20 side travelled to Inverness was in 2011 when Ireland won 15-0 and before that a year earlier, drawing 8-8 with France.
A win in the Highland Capital is overdue and Lineen hopes that with free admission, a big support will turn out to cheer his boys to a famous win.
"We need them to be the 16th man," he said. "The crowd does make a difference. We want people to come out and support us."
Tonight’s encounter kicks-off at 7.35pm. Four teams of youngsters from Highland, Nairn, Ross Sutherland and Caithness will provide the half-time entertainment.
