KIDS STUFF THE THIERRY WAY

SCOTLAND Under-19 gaffer Tommy Wilson is praying a short video clip of Thierry Henry can inspire his kids to stay off the booze and go on to become Euro stars.

The squad flew to Poland yesterday for the European Championship Finals that kick off tomorrow when they face Portugal in Poznan.

It's the first time in 20 years a Scots youth team has taken part in a major tournament and Wilson believes they can go all the way.

Talented teenagers such as Hearts' Calum Elliot, Hibs' Steven Fletcher and Celt Charlie Grant are hoping to emulate our 1982 side who WON the competition.

Wilson's babes knocked out France -one of Europe's top sides - en route to the finals but the coach still regards them as a perfect role model for Scotland to follow.

Wilson is adamant Scots players' AND clubs' attitudes have now changed which augurs well for the future of our game.

And he insists the drink culture previously associated with Scottish football has gone and his current crop of kids are among the most professional he's worked with.

Wilson - co-boss with legend Archie Gem-mill - hopes the words of Arsenal superstar Henry were still ringing in his players' ears during pre-season. He said: "When we got the

draw against France to qualify I was so proud. And when I look at this team, next year's squad and the following one it encourages me.

"I can see young Scottish players' attitudes changing for the better. I showed the lads a video of Henry's press conference after Arsenal qualified for the Champions League Final.

"The journalist said 'Thierry, you must be delighted, will you be going out to celebrate?'

"Henry replied 'No, we have a game on Saturday, I'm going home to bed.'

"He's a fantastic role model and we try to show the boys examples like him a lot.

"The rewards can be so great for them -the intelligent ones realise what they've got and know they need rest at the right times."

Taken from the Sunday Mail