Donald Ritchie was part of the under-18 squad taking part in the latest Centenary Shield competition, culminating in a trip down to the new Wembley Stadium to play the Auld Enemy.

Donald has been involved as a physio in the schoolboy football set-up for nine years at under-16 and under-18 level and originally joined up when recently departed Forfar Athletic manager Jim Moffat was assistant manager of the under-16s.

In his time with the set-up, Donald has watched many players progress onto bigger and better things, including Manchester United's Darren Fletcher, Swansea City's Daryl Duffy and Everton's Ian Turner.

Donald said: "You can tell early on who has a chance to progress to senior football.

"It's all about the player's attitude and application. At their age of 16 to 18 you have to think of the whole package - the players themselves, their education and their families.

"At that age, kids just want to have fun. For example, on some trips players wanted to play pool rather than go training."

One memory that sticks out for Donald regarding a player's attitude involved a young Darren Fletcher.

"On one of the trips that Darren was involved in some of the players were moaning about this or that, just being kids really.

"Darren, who was captain, was certainly not one of them and he reminded those team-mates that they were extremely fortunate to be involved and that other kids would love to be in their position."

Donald continued: "Darren is a great example to schoolboy footballers that humility and keeping your feet on the ground goes a long way to ensuring a bright future in the game.

"This, despite the fact Manchester United once sent a private jet to pick him up for a game after one of our internationals in Belfast!"

Donald's latest involvement with the under-18s, who are managed by Kirkcaldy school teacher David Young, saw them play in the Centenary Shield, featuring against, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England.

Scotland finished in third place in the Centenary Shield League, with Republic of Ireland the eventual winners.

The first game saw the Scots play Wales at Tannadice, where they enjoyed a three-one victory.

Scotland then drew one-each with Northern Ireland at New Douglas Park in Hamilton before travelling to Athlone in Ireland where they scored a last-minute equaliser to draw two-two with the Republic after being two-nil down at half-time. Indeed, Scotland were the only side to get a point off the rampant Republic!

It was then off to Wembley, travelling first class with Virgin Rail to London, where Donald and the squad stayed at the Holiday Inn in Kensington, the largest Holiday Inn in the world.

On the day before the game, the squad visited Downing Street, Westminster and had a tour around the House of Commons. They were met by Jim Sheridan MP, who presented them with their international caps.

The following day was the big game and it was a carnival atmosphere, with a celebrity football match and seven-a-side tournament among the entertainment in the run up to the England-Scotland clash in front of some 20,000 spectators.

The two sides were vying for the Bobby Moore Trophy, which was to be presented by the World Cup-winning captain's widow Stephanie.

In a well contested match England ran out two-nil winners. Scotland, however could hold their heads high as it was their first defeat of the season.

Commenting on the game, Donald said: "The boys played really well and, but for some missed opportunites and a dubious offside decision in England's favour, the score-line would have given a fairer reflection on the game."

Although disappointed by the result the squad seemed to enjoy their Wembley experience, none more so than Donald.

"Considering we were actually meant to be playing England at Stevenage, the Wembley fixture was a great bonus.

"The stadium is cavernous, from out on the pitch as well as inside.

"Being a part of the team medical staff I was obviously interested in the medical facilities and was amazed to see how many resources are available at the injuries clinic.

"It's basically like a mini hospital, so if you get a head knock you go to the department for head knocks and if you get a leg injury you go to the leg department and so on!"

Donald, who works for building control at Angus Council as well as being involved with Strathmore Therapies where he is a remedial masseur, reflected on the trip as a worthwhile experience for the boys.

"Regardless of the result, it is something the boys will remember for the rest of their lives.

"As is the case with youth football, a large percentage of the boys won't make the grade in the sport, which, in a way, will make this experience all the more memorable."

Donald concluded: "It was my pleasure and privilege to be involved and share the lads' experience of being the first Scottish team ever to play at the new Wembley!"