LEE: SPL IS KIDS STUFF FOR ME

SCOTLAND Under-19 star Lee Wallace insists some of the kids he faced at the European Championships are BETTER than the stars in the SPL.

And the teenager reckons his exploits with Archie Gemmill's side will do more for his career than playing a Champions League qualifier with Hearts.

The Tynecastle left-back played a key role as the young Scots romped to the final in Poland before losing to Spain last night.

But as Lee celebrated Wednesday's semi-final win over the Czech Republic, his Jambos team-mates were seeing off Siroki Brijeg 3-0 in the first leg of a Champions League qualifier.

Wallace said: "I missed the big European game but I'd rather be here.

"I'm representing my country and going up against Europe's top youngsters.

"I played against a few better players in Poland than I would have done against the Bosnians or in the SPL.

"Every team had good individuals - some were better than what I've played against in Scotland.

"Hopefully I will have improved when I go back to Hearts. Just being part of a European Championships is an honour but to go so far was special.

"It's great for Scottish football and especially for us and the backroom staff."

Wallace was a revelation when he broke into the Hearts first-team under John Robertson two years ago.

But with three changes of manager since then and an influx of overseas players, the full-back didn't feature as much last term.

Wallace said: "Hopefully the manager will have taken notice of my displays here.

"I didn't play as much as I'd have liked last season but the gaffer has said I'm part of the plans.

"In Poland I got my confidence back and I want to show that at Hearts."

Taken from the Sunday Mail