Schoolboy recieves letter from Scotland manager Gordon Strachan

A schoolboy who wrote to Gordon Strachan offering to play in the Scotland squad was surprised when he received a written reply back.

Matthew Allan, 11, composed the letter when crisis hit the national team with defender Grant Hanley withdrawing from the squad before last month’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

The young boy was concerned that two players were injured at the time and offered to take on Hanley’s position in an effort to ensure the success of the team.

Matthew wrote: “I have heard that two of your ­players are currently out injured.

“I play in defence when I play on a Saturday at Queen’s Park and I would like to offer to play in Grant Hanley’s ­position until he returns from injury.”

Strachan wrote back: “Thank you for your letter which I received on my return to Hampden this week.

“I appreciate your kind offer to play in Grant’s position. I am always on the lookout for good talent so perhaps when you are older I will be picking you for the defence.”