'What I like...': Scotland starlet hails 'incredible' ex-Hibs and Celtic boss after receiving maiden call-up
The 19-year-old has been added to the Scotland under-21 squad.
Former Celtic and Hibs manager Neil Lennon has been praised for his ‘incredible’ work with Dunfermline Athletic striker Andrew Tod after the teenager was handed his maiden call-up to the Scotland under-21s earlier this week.
The 19-year-old striker has been in excellent form in the Scottish Championship this season, bagging eight league goals in just 12 starts at East End Park, and has been rewarded by being named as a late addition to Scot Gemmill’s squad for the upcoming European Championship qualification games against Gibraltar and Bulgaria this coming week.
Added to the squad alongside club teammate Barney Stewart, the news caps off a remarkable rise for the youngster, who struggled for game time on loan to East Fife this time last year. Admitting he usually spends the international break in the Hampden stands as a member of his local Scotland supporters club, the forward hailed Dunfermline boss Lennon for helping to transform his game since his arrival at the Pars in March.
“I’ve been part of the Kinross Tartan Army for years now,” said Tod. “I have gone to a lot of the games, so to be called up for Scotland is a really proud moment for me. My family couldn’t believe it, to be honest – they were screaming down the phone to me. To hear their reaction was brilliant.
“My dad thought I was taking the mickey out of him at first. He thought I was joking. He’s just really proud and wants me to go and enjoy myself. It's always going to be a special moment when the anthem comes on because ever since you're young, you just want to play for your country. It’ll be a special moment.”
Currently in fourth place in the Scottish Championship, the young strike-force of Tod and Stewart has contributed to 14 of the club's 21 league goals this season as they look to secure promotion to the top flight following a 13-year absence. With Lennon at the helm, Tod is confident both he and the club have bright times ahead.
“I’m really pleased with the way the season has started for me,” said Tod. “I’ve had a difficult couple of years injury wise but this season has been different from the very first day I came in. The gaffer has been everything to me since he arrived. He gave me my chance again to show what I could do. From pre-season onwards, he has just put so much trust in me and given me so much confidence, so I can’t thank him enough.
“Just the way he speaks to you. He just wants to get the best out of you, no matter who we are playing. He gives everyone so much information in games. The standards he brings to training and overall are incredible. He motivates you to play better. Hopefully, I have repaid him a bit with the work I have put in on the pitch. He’s always on to me to do better, but that’s what I like about him, because he knows I can.”
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