Craig Levein tips David Goodwillie to become Scotland star
Scotland national team coach Craig Levein says Dundee United striker David Goodwillie can become a key player for his country — if he learns to behave.
The 21-year-old received his first senior Scotland call-up after thumping in eight goals for his club in 13 games this season. However, the rising star spent a night in a prison cell after he was arrested following an alleged brawl in Glasgow in the early
hours of Wednesday, 3 November.
Despite that incident, former United boss Levein has opted to give the Under-21 cap a chance to prove his talents in the international arena when Scotland take on the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie on Wednesday, 17 November.
He told reporters that: "As the manager of a national team, it's difficult to see how far you can go when looking into a player's off-field activities. What do you allow to affect your judgement on who you pick or not? I am trying to pick players based on
what they are doing on the field rather than what they are doing off it.
'Goodwillie's probably our most prolific young goalscorer'
"For a young player operating in the SPL each week — David's record will tell you he's probably our most prolific young goalscorer. That was the thing which swayed it for me. I was always going to bring in a young striker but that swung it for me over Jamie
Murphy or Chris Maguire.
“I gave him a kick up the backside when I was his club manager but the temptations are great for somebody of his age. Hopefully he realises if he concentrates his efforts on being a top class footballer then the rewards are enormous."
Levein has also opted to hand maiden call-ups to Liverpool defender Danny Wilson and Aston Villa attacker Barry Bannan, after both players established themselves with the Under-21 side.
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