Ross Will Sacrifice Euro 2009

Mar 30 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

SCOTLAND Under-21 star Ross McCormack admits he'd rather miss out on a place at Euro 2009 if it means getting a call-up by George Burley.

The Motherwell hitman played a pivotal role in the vital Group Six win over Finland at Pittodrie last Wednesday to keep the Scots kids' qualification hopes alive.

But the victory was achieved without top striker Steven Fletcher who was promoted by Burley for the full side's friendly draw against Croatia.

If Billy Stark's boys hadn't beaten the Finns their dream of going to a major finals would have died.

But McCormack is adamant it's more important to supply Burley with talent than play at an Under-21 Euro Championships.

The striker even likened the Under-21 set-up to club reserve football where progression beats prizes every time.

Ross said: "We all tried our best without Fletch and got a great 2-1 win.

"Who's to say it couldn't have been 3-1 or 4-1 with him though? Of course we missed him. He's our target man and focal point of attack but thankfully we have good players in the squad.

"If Fletch is going to be starting regularly for the full Scotland side that's really important for him and his career.

"Obviously we're selfish and want him with us. But I'd rather most of the boys in our squad - including me - were pushed up to the full squad.

"People may think it would have been better for Fletch to play a competitive match in midweek - but he does that every week for Hibs.

"It was a great chance for him to make his Scotland debut at Hampden. If I was in the same position I wouldn't dwell on it.

"I'd even take a call-up to the B Squad because it's another progression in your career.

"It's just the nature of Under-21 football. Even if it's to the detriment of qualifying for major tournaments at this level the ultimate goal is to get into the full side.

"It's like reserve football - you want to win the league and cup but the main thing is to get into the club's first team.

"All the Under-21 boys would say the same because there are other lads waiting to come through. Even the manager would say if it's a choice between qualifying for the Euro Championships at this level or making it into Burley's squad there's only one answer."

Despite all that McCormack admits he'd love to be part of Euro 2009, a tournament shown around the globe on Sky TV.

He feels Stark is the right man to take them there if the table-topping Finns slip up.

Ross said: "We're right back in it now. If we win our game in hand we're just two points behind Finland.

"There's belief in the dressingroom we can do it and it would be special to go to Sweden and face the best players in Europe at my age.

"Billy likes the game on the deck and his style is rubbing off."