SCOTLAND Under-17s began their preparations for next month’s Euro Qualifiers with a 2-1 friendly victory over Iceland at Cappielow last night.

The Tartan teens face elite round group matches against Denmark, hosts Czech Republic and Switzerland over the course of six days between March 28 and April 2.

With the last get-together a fixture against Italy back in October, this international challenge match was a valuable workout.

The first half, though, was a complete non-event. Both sides lacked cohesion and quality and it made for 45 minutes without rhythm or a real pattern to the play.

Iceland striker Stefan Ljubicic did have the ball in the net in the final minute of the half but was offside when he got on the end of free-kick.

For Scot Gemmill’s side, Rangers midfielder Liam Burt was the one player who looked capable of rising above the rest and producing a moment of magic to make the difference.

After a few menacing dribbles and attempts at goal, the 17-year-old wonderkid broke the deadlock on 51 minutes. Receiving a pass from St Mirren’s Kyle McAllister on the left-hand side of the box, Burt steadied himself and bent a wonderful finish into the net via the right-hand post.

Kristofer Ingi Kristinsson and Kolbeinn Finnsson both struck the woodwork as the Icelandic kids pushed for a leveller.

And hitman Ljubicic looked to have secured a draw when he tapped in AZ Alkmaar Jonatan Ingi Jonsson’s right winger’s cut-back in the 78th minute.

But in the first minute of stoppage at the end of the 80 — matches last 40 minutes each way at this age level — skipper Burt conjured up a dramatic winner out of nothing.

Picking up the ball in the centre of midfield, he drove forward and clipped an unerringly accurate angled pass over the top of the Icelandic defence to sub Lew Morrison.

It dropped right on the toe of the Kilmarnock kid and he took a touch before calmly slotting under sub goalkeeper Aron Stefansson to secure a morale-boosting win.

Speaking afterwards coach Gemmill told the Tele: “It was a good workout tonight. Good to see all the players and get them some game time.

“The last time we saw the group was around about October, so time passes and it is important that we see them and have a game in preparation.

“I thought there were parts of the game that were decent and obviously parts that we need to improve upon.”

When asked about Gers starlet Burt, the 26-times capped former Scotland midfielder added: “He’s a good player. If you’re looking for potential in a young player then he’s got it.

“It’s a little bit of pressure because he has to go and maximise that potential. Everybody has a duty of care to help him, his club and us, but it’s really going to come down to Liam to show how good he can be.”

Scotland (4-4-2): McAdams; Bowers (Hornby, 73), Meredith, Duffy, Gallacher; Burt ©, Barjonas (Connelly, 65), Gilmour (H. Morrison, 73), Middleton (Aitchison, 73); McLennan (L. Morrison, 65), McAllister (Knox, 73). Subs not used: Baur, C. Morrison, Wright 
(gk).