Michael Hutcheon recently won three international caps for Scotland at CYP under-16 level at the Four Nations Boys International Football competition between Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales held at Police Headquarters, Durham.

CYP (Clubs for Young People) Scotland, recently renamed from The Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Scotland, has been in the forefront of youth work since its formation in 1928. The organisation provides young people with the necessary opportunities, support, skills and positive role models to enable them to become healthy and confident adults.

Michael (aged 16) took part in all three games of the competition which, unfortunately, saw Scotland defeated in each game - losing one-nil to Northern Ireland, one-nil to Wales and three-one to England.

Michael said: "I have been given a great opportunity by CYP. As an organisation they provide opportunities for young footballers who are not involved in professional youth teams to get scouted by senior clubs."

Michael plays for juvenile side Tayport Thistle where he plays central defence and central midfield.

After some fine performances in his first season with Thistle, Michael, along with five others in his side, were invited to take part in trials which took the form of rounds of games, with the Forfar lad getting through each round to take his place in the under-16 squad.

In all, he has won four caps including the three he gained in the Four Nations competition. His first came in a game against Wales in Swansea in May, with the Scots coming out on top winning three-one.

The experience has certainly set Michael in good stead should he continue in a football career.

"In the Four Nations tournament the other three teams were a year older," he says. "This led to them being physically stronger and quite imposing, ensuring that we had to rise to the challenge.

"This was a good experience because it just shows that if you do get the chance to go further in football you have to be prepared and be able to get stuck in."

Such was the value of his experience that Dundee FC have approached Michael about the possibility of him taking trials with them in the coming pre-season training programme.

Michael's proud mum Pauline said: "We are still waiting to hear back from Dundee on arrangements and we have also heard from Stirling Albion who appear keen to invite Michael down."

With both teams showing some interest along with a reported inquiry from Raith Rovers, Michael would appear to have an eventful summer in store.

With all of this football interest, Michael could be forgiven for getting carried away but he is still very much knuckled down to his school work at Forfar Academy.

Michael is now in fifth year at school and is set to study for his history and maths Highers.

He said: "I've received a lot of encouragement at school, especially from my P.E teacher Dave Cargill. Mr Cargill has always been there with advice and is always really helpful."

While Michael is hopeful of a career as a professional footballer, his is clear on his priorities while still at school.

As an obviously talented sportsman, he is already talking about taking P.E at Higher level in sixth year, should he still be at school.

His P.E teacher Mr Cargill has already asked Michael to help out with the after-school training of the first-year football team.

So it would seem that whatever avenue Michael takes, his school and teachers are doing their utmost to provide this talented sportsman with a good basis from which to build his future.