STEPHEN YOUNG has returned to the pitch for club and country.

Speaking to Press Sport, the 24-year-old said there was "no better feeling" than kicking the ball about with his Rosyth team-mates and Scotland's national cerebral palsy squad earlier this month.

It's been a long time coming as it was back in March when he last played alongside them in training and on matchdays.

His focus is now getting to full match fitness and a 30-minute performance off the bench for Rosyth's friendly against Whitburn on Saturday (September 12) was the first step towards that.

"It's been great seeing everyone again and coming off the pitch with a smile on your face," he said.

"I could have scored on Saturday, actually, but their boy somehow fell on the ball and cleared it off the line.

"At least it was on target! My goal for the season ahead with Rosyth is for the team to do well and for myself to get a shot on target; it's a low goal but it's mine!

"It was my first time playing on grass in so long and I really missed it through lockdown.

"I've been trying to run twice a day over the last few months to keep my fitness up but there's nothing like playing in matches and seeing your team again."

A day later, he met up with his fellow Scotland team members at Stenhousemuir's Ochilview Park.

Focusing on ball work and training at their own pace, it's the first session of many that will gear themselves towards a World Cup qualification tournament next year.

Young and the rest of the squad were set to fly to Spain in June for the event before the coronavirus pandemic resulted in its suspension until further notice.

New dates have since been confirmed and they'll now depart for Barcelona for pivotal matches between July 28 and August 12.

Press Sport reported previously that each squad member had to fundraise themselves to pay for travel and accommodation during their two-week stay in Spain for the IFCPF Nations Championship; Young received a £1,000 donation from Rosyth so he could make the trip.

He is already planning ahead to the competition and insists this Scotland side has what it takes to qualify.

"I don't see why we can't go there and make it through," he said.

"We have the players and the quality and we'll be going there to win.

"It's great that we now have the dates and I'm looking forward to it.

"It's not going to be a holiday for me or the team. We'll be taking it very seriously."