Macaulay Tait targets Scotland Under-21 debut after breakthrough at Livingston

Macaulay Tait is hoping to cap the start of his first season as a regular in the Scottish Premiership by making his Scotland Under-21 debut in Thursday’s European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar at Dens Park.

The 20-year-old has been shining on loan at newly-promoted Livingston this term, starting 12 matches in all competitions for David Martindale’s side, after struggling to establish himself in the first team at parent club Hearts.

“It’s been exactly what I wanted when I left Hearts, so to make that step up into the top flight and to be playing every week’s been brilliant,” said Tait, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Livi in the Championship.

“I wanted to take the confidence from last season into this and continue to push myself and I’m really enjoying it and I think now I’m starting to grow in confidence and I believe that I can actually play at this level.”

Martindale has been hugely impressed with Tait’s impact at Livi and the midfielder is delighted that Scotland Under-21 coach Scot Gemmill has also taken note of his form and selected him for the double-header against Gibraltar and Azerbaijan.

“It was really nice to get that recognition,” he said. “It’s something I’ve not really been involved with so it’s been nice. It was something I had in the back of my mind, to try and get into the squad, but to finally do it, it’s been really good.

“Hopefully I can play as much as I can and help the boys win these two games and get us on track.”