BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
ALLAN JOHNSTON believes Paul McMullan’s maiden Scotland under-21 call-up is a fitting reward for a superb campaign with Dunfermline.
The 21-year-old, who is on loan at East End Park from Celtic, has emerged as one of the Pars’ key men during their first campaign back in the Championship, bagging seven goals in 31 outings from a wide position.
While McMullan has previously enjoyed spells with Stenhousemuir, St Mirren and Morton, he has delivered a new-found consistency in Fife and has been rewarded with a place in Scot Gemmill’s squad to face Estonia later this month.
Dunfermline boss Johnston lauded: “I know myself it’s a massive honour to get called up for your country and its something Paul deserves, he has been playing really well and everyone at Dunfermline is delighted for him.
“It’s something that always gives you a bit of extra confidence and spring in your step, so I’m sure it will give him a big lift heading into the last couple of months of the campaign.
“Paul has been at a few clubs, but he has come here and done really well and kicked on, so he can be proud of how he has progressed.
“For him, it’s now about enjoying the experience and doing himself justice, and then keeping that form consistent for the rest of the season and finishing strongly.”
The likes of goalkeeper Cammy Gill and Scotland under-19 star Lewis Martin are also highly-regarded at East End Park, while their under-20s squad is safely in mid-table – battling against Premiership outfits – in the SPFL Development League.
Johnston added: “That is what we are striving for as a club and it is brilliant to see more of our players getting linked with call-ups at a few levels.
“That just shows how well they are doing, as teams and individuals, and that should just motivate you to work even harder.”
