Forward teams up with Scotland
Teenage striker Mark Beck is the latest of this season’s first-year professionals to earn international recognition for his efforts with a call-up to the Scotland U19 squad ahead of their International Challenge Match against Sweden in Ayr on Tuesday [tonight].
Beck, 19, started this weekend's away game at the Matchroom Stadium and left to team up with Ricky Sbragia and his squad in Glasgow on Sunday evening on his arrival back in Cumbria.
His inclusion this evening remains subject to clearance of all necessary paperwork but, should that be completed, he could find himself pulling on the shirt to make his Scotland debut.
“Ricky Sbragia got in touch on Friday morning and he told us that Mark was in the frame,” manager Greg Abbott said. “That was followed up by confirmation that he had received the call-up, and we are absolutely delighted for him.
“He’s worked hard and this will give him an opportunity to go and experience another aspect of the game. Hopefully he’ll do well, get the ticks in the boxes he needs on the admin side of things and get a bit of pitch time. That would be fantastic for him.”
“I found out about it when I got on the bus to go to Orient on Friday,” Beck explained. “My granddad is Scottish and I’m delighted that I’ve got the call. It’ll be good to go and train with them and hopefully I’ll get a chance to play in the game.
"We are still waiting for the paperwork to clear at the moment but, fingers crossed, that will be done and we can take it from there."
The big forward signed an improved three-year deal with the club in September last year after making an impressive impact during the first three months of his first professional deal.
He has made 29 appearances for the first team so far and has bagged six goals, including a fine finish in the 2-0 victory over Brentford in our last home game.
