Andrew Smith (16), from Elm Gardens, Bearsden, has now been capped an incredible 18 times since joining the national squad three years ago.

The Bearsden Academy fifth year pupil was one of the 18 players from throughout Scotland who played four games — three against the national squad and one against a local team in the recent series of test matches.

Despite losing 3-1 to Poland in the initial game last Wednesday, the Scottish lads then went on to beat local team Kadra Slaska Chlopcy 10-0 the following day with Andrew at the helm.

In their remaining two games against the national team, with Andrew still captain, last Friday, the squad won their first game 6-5 but lost the other 6-3.

Andrew said: "This is the first time I've captained the national under 16 squad and I thought it was a great honour and a real confidence booster.

"As I've been in the squad for three years now I'm now seen as one of the old hands. My role was one of keeping everyone together on and off the pitch."

Andrew said the trip was a great way of building up the international experience the team need to compete at the highest levels abroad.

The highlight to date for the young hockey player was last season when Scotland won the Home Nations Tournament in Cardiff, beating England in the final.

The youngster is currently a 2nd XI player at Hillhead Mens' Hockey Club, Glasgow.

Club coach Alan Shirley said: "Despite suffering injury and illness for the majority of the season and being unable to train with his club since October 2007, Andrew made a miraculous recovery from injury in time to represent the Scotland Under 16 squad."