To B Or Not To B

Last updated : 19 March 2009 By Ed_ScottishFitba

Scotland have set up a B international against Northern Ireland for 6 May and Motherwell defender Paul Quinn among others is hoping this revival could help several players make the next step to full international recognition. Quinn is one of a number of 'Well players, including Marc Fitzpatrick, Stephen Hughes and Mark Reynolds, who have already some under-21 caps, while left-back Stevie Hammell can boast a solitary full cap. Motherwell teammate David Clarkson has been named in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Holland and Iceland, and Quinn is optimistic regular games at B level could help others make the international grade.

He said: "
That would be a good thing and certainly give someone like me an opportunity to shine at that level just between the under-21s and the full squad. There's not just me at Motherwell who would be looking for that opportunity though; several of the lads in our changing room could come into the equation. Sometimes people write off the likes of B internationals but it can prove a great springboard for guys not involved or ever players shining at youth levels but are not yet up to scratch to play in the full national side. I mean, I myself have been involved in the Scotland under-21s and there have been guys who have been outstanding. They really stood out at that level and did well for their club sides but have never kicked a ball for the full squad so the B set-up could be used as a bridge between the two."

Quinn has been encouraged by seeing Clarkson's name in the latest George Burley squad. Quinn added: "
It's brilliant to see Clarky get the recognition he deserves for the way he has conducted himself in the last 15 months both on and off the pitch. He's a cracking player, often not given the credit he deserves in terms of footballing ability, and his attitude is second to none. With George Burley noticing him and obviously having people watching him, that has good to be a good thing for others at Motherwell who have aspirations of making that step-up."

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