STIRLING footballer Kieran Campbell is eyeing glory with Scotland’s under-18 schoolboys squad against the Republic of Ireland later this month with the Centenary Shield on the line.

The 17-year-old played his part as Scotland kept their Centenary Shield hopes alive and stalled England’s with a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park in their third match of the tournament on Friday night.

Unbeaten Scotland and Campbell, who attends St Modan’s High School, now have just one match remaining and a win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin later this month will see them share the Shield with England.

And, with a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland and a 5-1 thrashing of Wales already under their belts, full-back Campbell admits the excitement of claiming a trophy for Scotland is building fast.

“It was a really tough one against England and to get a positive result was really great for us as a squad,” said Campbell.

“I think that going into the match we believed that we could get a result and we believed that we could win the match.

“I think we have come up against some really good sides and played well and are unbeaten. There is a lot of talent in this squad for sure and I think we have shown how capable we are as a team.

“It would mean absolutely everything for us to go out and get a win against Ireland. If we can do that then we will win the Shield and that would just be an unbelievable achievement and one we will all remember forever.” Scotland’s fortunes are in stark contrast to the 2013 Centenary Shield when – without full-back Campbell – they failed to win a game and finished last.

Campbell has been joined on the team by fellow newcomer Conor McKenzie, who plays for Stirling Albion and was relieved to come away from Ewood Park with their title hopes intact.

“I was quite happy with the result – we would probably have taken a draw before the game,” said the Dunblane High School pupil.

“Not many Scotland teams have gone down to England and got a draw. It was a bit of a mixed game to be honest – they had chances and we had chances.

“They got a bit of a dodgy penalty but we did well to get back into the game and then once we scored we could have maybe got a second.

“This is my first year but last year they didn’t get a point. For us to have a chance to share the trophy, it would be massive.” TSB, proud partner of the Scottish Schools’ FA, is delighted to support the Scotland U18 schoolboys squad for their 2014 Centenary Shield campaign. For all the latest squad news, visit scottishfa.co.uk/ssfa