Hearts goalkeeper among trio called up for Under 19s

Hearts goalkeeper Mark Ridgers is celebrating after winning a call-up to the Scotland U19 training squad. Boss Billy Stark has called up Mark along with his Tynecastle team-mates Jonathan Brown and Gary Glen for next month's gathering in Largs. Mark missed the start of the season after suffering a serious knee injury during the Milk Cup in the summer not long after he had arrived from Ross County, a subsequent operation keeping him out of action for months. The 18-year-old has battled back to fitness, however, producing some excellent form for Darren Murray's U19s. Academy Director John Murray today insisted the shot-stopper's first taste of international football will be just reward for the youngster. "This will be the first time Mark has been involved with Scotland and it's great news for him," said John. "He suffered a very bad knee injury while playing for Hearts in the Milk Cup in the summer and he has had to battle his way back. He has done well since getting back into the U19s team and I'm delighted for him." Jonathan has been involved recently as a first-team substitute after impressing boss Csaba Laszlo, while Gary's inclusion will come as a welcome boost for the striker, who has yet to play a top-team game in the current campaign after making such an impression at the tail end of last season. "This will be good for Gary's confidence," added John. "He has had problems with injuries this season and has to try to push on for the U19s. He will enjoy the experience of being away with Scotland and it can only be good for him. "Jonathan is another who has earned his chance. He hasn't really been involved with the U19s and has been playing mostly for the reserves and in recent weeks has been on the bench for the first team. "He is another whom we have high hopes for."