WITH his international debut, a place in the next Scotland squad and a new contract under his belt, things are going to plan for Ryan Williamson.

The 21-year-old was rewarded for a fine start to the season recently when he put pen to paper on a year’s extension to his deal at East End, meaning he’ll remain a Pars player until 2019.

His expected place in Scot Gemmill’s under-21 pool for a European Championship qualifying double-header with Latvia and Ukraine was confirmed last Tuesday after impressing from the bench in games with England and the Latvians last month.

Starring in the dark blue in front of friends and family was a dream come true for Williamson but, speaking to Press Sport last week, he said: “I went there with a positive mindset and confidence, and tried to show the coaching staff and players what I’m made of.

“It was an experience I’ll never forget and I hope to be pushing for a start in the next qualifiers.

“I’ve worked hard in years before and been in provisional squads but just missed out at the final hurdle, so I like to think I made a positive impression.

“I was delighted to go on (against England), although it was on the right wing which was a shock! Playing against (English) Premier League players was a great experience and a learning curve; you can see how good they are physically and technically.

“They were so strong and so quick – it was a completely different level. It made me more determined to improve.

“My family, girlfriend and a couple of my pals all went down and, after what I’ve been through with injuries, it was a proud moment for myself.

“It was worth all the hard work and then I was glad to get the last 10 minutes against Latvia and play in a crucial victory.

“That topped it off but I wouldn’t have got into that position without my team-mates, who with the manager and staff have all played a part in bringing me on as a player.”

On his new contract, Williamson added: “As soon as I found out the club wanted to sign me for another year, it was never in doubt.

“I love playing here, the club have been great with me through the hard times and everything is going so well, so it was a no-brainer.”