LIAM McFarlane's former schoolteachers have praised the World Cup goalkeeper and said he's always been a class act.
The 21-year-old, who plays for Hearts, is in North America with Scotland as Steve Clarke's men bid to make history.
His old school, Lochgelly South Primary, sent him a good luck message while a former teacher said she'd kept a photo of them, taken in class 12 years ago, "for when he was famous".
Liam McFarlane (pictured right, with Angus Gunn) joined the senior Scotland squad for training. (Image: Andrew Milligan / PA)
The social media post said: "Congratulations Liam!
"It's always amazing to see a former pupil do well.
"We are incredibly pleased and proud of Liam travelling with the Scotland World Cup squad to the USA this summer!"
Three goalkeepers - Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly - were picked in the 26-player pool that will take on Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
However, the Lochgelly lad also got on the plane as he'll be an additional training keeper for the duration of the tournament - and, you never know, it could be valuable experience before he takes on the gloves for real for Scotland.
Lochgelly South teacher Nicola Hogg with a young Liam in 2014. She said: "I told him I’d keep this photo for when he was famous!" (Image: Supplied)
Teacher Nicola Hogg said: "I am incredibly proud to have taught Liam three times at Lochgelly South.
"He was a hard worker and put 100 per cent effort into everything he did.
"In Primary 6, he competed in the 2014 Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament in Ypres, Belgium.
"When we took this photo together, I told him I’d keep this photo for when he was famous! Congratulations, Liam."
Liam McFarlane played for Alloa Athletic last season. (Image: David Glencross)
The current Lochgelly South headteacher, Lorraine Taylor, also used to teach the football star and agreed he was always a stand-out.
She said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Liam achieving such a fantastic milestone in his football journey.
"Even as a pupil, it was clear he had a natural talent and passion for the game, having been scouted for Hearts at just seven years old.
"It’s wonderful to see that being recognised on the world stage.
"At the same time, Liam always approached school with a positive attitude – he worked hard, showed real ability in many areas, particularly maths, and had a wide range of opportunities ahead of him.
"It’s been inspiring to watch him follow his passion while carrying those strong values with him.
"We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him every success as he supports the Scottish team at the World Cup.”
Liam McFarlane excelled on loan at Alloa Athletic, making 39 appearances. (Image: Andrew Milligan / PA)
Thinking back to his school days, Mrs Taylor remembered: "Liam was really popular in school with his peers.
"He was always talented in terms of sport but he was humble and never boastful about it.
"He was determined. You see a lot of kids that want to be a footballer but he was one that I remember thinking 'He could actually go and do this'.
"He followed his heart with his football but academically he was really good. He could have done anything he wanted to."
Liam McFarlane, left, in training with Hearts. (Image: Andrew Milligan / PA)
The headteacher added: "He's a Lochgelly boy and comes from a really nice family. Evie, his sister, is a few years younger and she came through here, a lot of his cousins did too.
"His mum, Marie, used to work in the school and now has a successful beauty salon, Kulture, in Lochgelly.
"His dad, Rab, has his own groundworks company and sponsored all the strips for our football team.
"They were always very supportive of him."
The 6 ft 5 goalie is under contract to Hearts until the summer of 2028 and excelled on loan at Alloa Athletic last season.
Their manager, Andy Graham, certainly believes the youngster has what it takes to get to the very top, describing him as "the best goalkeeper in the league".
He had added: "It's an unbelievable opportunity.
"We've all lived long enough that, for Scotland to get to a World Cup, it feels like a miracle!
"To actually be part of that when he was starting the season on loan at a League One club, to then go from that, to going on that plane is incredible."
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