DUNFERMLINE'S Scott Hynd scored the biggest goal of his fledgling football career last week and he is out to repeat the feat as Scotland's under-18 schoolboys continue their quest for silverware.

Without Dunfermline High School pupil Hynd, Scotland endured a tough 2013 Centenary Shield campaign as they lost every match to finish bottom but things are different this time around.

With one game to play - a trip to Dublin later this month - Hynd and Scotland are unbeaten and victory against the Republic of Ireland will see them share the Shield with auld enemy England. They prevented England from lifting the trophy at Ewood Park last Friday night as Hynd's equaliser snatched a 1-1 draw.

Hynd (16), who plays for Alloa Athletic, said, "It was probably the most important game of my life and it was the first goal I have scored in the tournament - and it wasn't a bad time to score.

"Scoring the equaliser against England was amazing. I mean it's stuff you sit in class and daydream about when you should be working.

"I owe that goal to my family because they do so much for me in terms of my commitment to football, especially my pops, Kenny Hynd. But also to have my family watch me live my dream is a real honour.

"It was a very special occasion for me - the biggest game of my life - but I settled in greatly, relaxed and just enjoyed the game. I was happy that I played really well in the match, I seem to play better under pressure. When the pressure was on I am pleased I was able to deliver. I passed the ball well, had some good movement, worked really hard and scored a goal. Everything that a striker should do, so I am just thrilled with my performance." Now Hynd is determined to use the memories of the game to push him on in his career. He said, "This whole experience has inspired me to move on and create more memories like this because it's the best feeling I will ever experience.

"Playing at Ewood Park was unbelievable. It is easily the biggest stadium I've ever played in. The pitch and even their youth facilities were top class. This experience has definitely helped my development." Speaking about the England game, he said, "We pinned them back in their half and I think we could have won it. The goals haven't been coming recently but I got one on Friday night and there wasn't a team I wanted to score against more.

"It kept us in the game and in the tournament. It has gone great compared to what the previous Scotland teams have done in the tournament.

"If we win in Ireland, which we are very confident we will, we will share it with England. I'm not sure what the team was like last year but we have got a good squad of boys this year." TSB, proud partner of the Scottish Schools' FA, is delighted to support the Scotland under-18 schoolboys squad for their 2014 Centenary Shield campaign. For all the latest squad news, visit scottishfa.co.uk/ssfa.