Steele out: Steel in ?

Last updated : 18 June 2004 By Oliver Gaywood
Elgin, who are fast gaining a record for signing promising youngsters, face competition from other North based sides for the 18 year old.

Currently with ALC Rangers, the highly rated defender has already trained with Peterhead, Buckie Thistle and Deveronvale whilst Inverurie Locos are also thought to want him.

Willie said "A lot of clubs are interested in me but I have still to make a decision about who to sign for next season."

Steel gained his second U19 cap when he was selected to play in the home nation friendlies against Wales and Northern Ireland.  Both games finished 2-2, but the clash with Wales as Airdrie United's Excelsior Stadium made a lasting impression on the defender.

"I was the only player remaining from last year's Scotland squad because the others were all too old.

"The Wales game was the best because it was played in front of a home crowd of over 1,000 people.

"That is the biggest crowd I have ever played in front of and the atmosphere was superb as a lot of them had on tartan and sang all through the game.

"I played at left back and I was really happy with my performance.

"Having a large crowd cheer us on was a big help."

The Scotland call up, where he also played friendlies against Birmingham college and Stenhousemuir, rounded off a successful season for the defender who has also been capped at U16 level.