Bathgate youngster leads out Scotland at Hampden

Sep 8 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

mascot

A BATHGATE youngster couldn’t believe his luck when he was selected to lead out the Scottish national team at Hampden on Saturday.

Scotland took on the Czech Republic in a crucial Group I European qualifier in Glasgow, and McDonald’s ran a competition to find player mascots.

Ross Flanagan (11) entered the competition, which he heard about on Real Radio, but didn’t hold out much hope.

He said: “The competition was for seven to 11-year-old’s and I heard it on the radio so I just thought I’d enter but I hardly ever win competitions so I didn’t know what to expect.

“I left my mum’s mobile as a contact number when I entered and she was at work when they phoned to say I had won.

“Usually she doesn’t answer calls from unknown numbers but luckily for me she answered this one.”

And Ross, who is a pupil at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, loved every minute of his Hampden day out.

“It was my first time at the national stadium and it was brilliant,” he said.

“I was a little nervous before the start but when the players joined us that all went away.”

Ross walked out with James Morrison and was thrilled to met his heroes up close.

He added: “I’m a Celtic fan so it was good to see Scott Brown.”

Scotland legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish said: “Walking out onto the pitch at a packed Hampden Park is a fantastic experience and I’m sure Ross enjoyed every second.

“It is an incredible feeling to stand in front of so many passionate Scottish football fans.”