KELTY HEARTS forward Alfie Bavidge has been named in the Scotland under-19 squad ahead of three UEFA Euro 2024 Elite Round qualifiers later this month.

The on-loan Aberdeen youngster has been called up by head coach, Billy Stark, for matches against Italy, Georgia and Czech Republic.

Bavidge, 17, travelled with the under-19s to Croatia for two friendly matches, against Türkiye and Latvia, last month, and started in both.

After a 1-0 defeat to the former, he netted a first half hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Latvia, which came 13 days after he netted the first treble of his senior career, in a win for Kelty at Edinburgh City.

After returning from international duty, Bavidge told Press Sport that he was "buzzing to get my goals" and described the experience as "unreal" whilst hoping for a further call-up.

He now looks set to add to his nine caps in the elite round qualifiers, which will all take place in Italy.

The young Scots will take on the hosts in their first match, in Lignano Sabbiadoro on Wednesday March 20, then face Georgia three days later in Manzano, and the Czechs on Tuesday March 26 in the same location.

Eight teams will compete in this year's finals in Nothern Ireland, with the seven group winners joining the hosts at the competition.

Bavidge's call-up means he looks set to miss Kelty's League One fixtures at home to Alloa Athletic, on Tuesday March 19, and at Annan Athletic, on Saturday March 23.