Keaghan Jacobs is in my thoughts for Scots call admits under 21 boss Billy Stark

Dec 10 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

SCOTLAND Under-21 boss Billy Stark has admitted Keaghan Jacobs stunning form for Livingston has not gone unnoticed within the corridors of power at Hampden Park, fuelling hope the teenager could be the next to benefit from the new eligibility rules.

Although born in South Africa, Jacobs qualifies for Scotland under the new rules having lived and been schooled in Scotland for over five years, and Stark confirmed to the Courier he was on the radar for the national set-up alongside some other youngsters at Almondvale.

Stark said: “I was watching Livingston just a few weeks ago and they have a few youngsters there who caught my eye.

“I am very aware of how well Keaghan Jacobs is playing and I saw him scoring a great goal at Hampden just a few weeks ago. I know he is eligible through the schooling rule and we had Livingston watched in their following game as well, so we are keeping an eye on him and also Andy Halliday, who is playing well on the left as well.”

Livingston manager Gary Bollan had championed Jacobs’ international cause at the weekend following another superb display at the heart of the Livi midfield.

Jacobs was named sponsors man-of-the -match in the 3-0 win over Stranraer leaving Bollan urging Stark to cap the 19-year-old who was named Third Division Young Player of the Month last week.

He said: “I’m delighted Keaghan won the Young Player award as he has been playing excellently for us.

“I think he’s worth a look now for the national under-21 team as he is playing first team football every week and there’s no reason he’s not worth a look.

“Along with Keaghan for the under-21s, there are other boys here who are worth a look like Andy Halliday, Kyle Jacobs and Cammy MacDonald.

“It wouldn’t hurt anybody to come along and have a look at how they are doing here and we have some excellent young players.”

Jacobs himself has gone on record with his hope of pulling on the Dark Blue shirt, admitting he feels Scottish having been here since he was eight years old.