SCOTLAND Under-21 internationalist Ewan Urain is thrilled to have joined up with Scot Gemmill’s squad as their qualifying campaign for the European Championships gets under way against Turkey this evening.

The 21-year-old forward was born in Spain and plays for Athletic Bilbao’s B side and qualifies for the national team through his Scottish-born mother.

After being approached by Gemmill about the prospect of representing Scotland at youth level, Urain took little convincing  – with the striker adding that there are one or two of Rangers’ young players to have made an instant impression on him.

“I had heard rumours that I could play [for Scotland],” Urain told the BBC. “I got a call from Scot and he asked me if I was eligible and if I would come [to join the squad]. I told him I would be delighted to come here, contacts kept going on and now I’m here.

Glasgow Times:

“Playing for Scotland is very special for me and for my family. My mother misses Scotland so I make her proud by doing this.

“I think there are some very special players and to play alongside them is something very special. I especially like Glenn [Middelton]. He wants to learn the most Spanish – I don’t know why!

“Also Stephen Kelly – I call him ‘El Mago’, which is Spanish for magician. He doesn’t understand it so well.

“I think they are both very special players and I have learned so much from them.”

The short-passing, technical style favoured in his native Spain could hardly be more stark to the physical game played on these shores but Urain believes he can not only adapt to his new environment; he insists he can thrive.

Glasgow Times:

“Here, the game is more physical and direct,” he explained. “But it’s also because of my club Athletic Bilbao – we are used to a slow pace and a more elaborate form of play.

“But with my height I think I can make a better [impact] here with this style of play.”