TWO rising football stars from West Fife are celebrating after they made their first appearances for Scotland.

Ava Crawford, 14, and Chloe Hutchison, 15, travelled to Tirana, Albania, last week to play in three friendlies with the national side's under-16s in a UEFA Development Tournament.

The Woodmill High School pupils, who both play for Heart of Midlothian's under-16s, were involved in matches against Portugal last Monday, Albania two days later, and Kosovo on Saturday.

Both of the talented youngsters started the second match, which Scotland won 1-0, whilst Ava started against Portugal, a game that ended 1-1, with the Scots winning a penalty shoot-out 4-2, and Kosovo, which resulted in a 2-0 victory, whilst Chloe was involved from the bench.

The two pals, whose footballing idol is Dunfermline-born, Real Madrid and Scotland star, Caroline Weir, were delighted to have been involved in the trip.

"From the start, we were welcomed in. It was all well organised," Ava said.

"It was all really well run, all the coaches were great, and it was great meeting the girls. I really enjoyed the trip, and we were room sharing as well, which was good.

"It was my first call-up. We'd been to camp at Largs previously, and I think from there we've been recognised for the squad, but it was a great first camp. It's one I'll remember."

Former Bayside player Chloe, who roomed with Ava during their time with the squad, said of her call-up: "I couldn't believe it and was over the moon!

"It was a good experience and one that I'll remember forever.

"It couldn't have gone much better really I don't think, but it was good to make my debut against Portugal as well, because it's a good team.

"I was a bit nervous to begin with, but when you get on the pitch, and get a couple of touches on the ball, you settle down and just play the game you normally play."

Ava, who began her footballing journey with Dunfermline Athletic Girls, continued: "I loved it.

"I was nervous but most of it was just excitement. As Chloe says, as soon as you got onto the pitch, and then sang the anthem, or tried, I'm not the best singer, everybody was really supportive. There's nothing really to be afraid of. You just have to go in and do your best."

Chloe's dad, Murray, said: "I think the parents were much more nervous than the kids were!

"Certainly, I couldn't manage to sing the national anthem in the first game, but composed myself for the second one.

"All our family and friends wanted to watch the games, so were asking for links, and luckily they gave us one on YouTube so people can sit and watch them. It's been amazing.

"They've both worked hard, and are doing well for Hearts obviously, so they just need to keep that going and hopefully get another call up soon."

Ava's mum Katrina, who said she was touched by messaged of support from the local community following the pair's call-ups, added: "This is their very first experience and to do that together was really nice. When they found out they were sharing a room together, it was even better. I think they've had the time of their life all week!

"There was lots of tears in my house and I'm sure it was exactly the same in Chloe's house as well.

"I'm absolutely delighted for them. I'm talking about scraping Ava off the ceiling - I feel like I'm still trying to scrape myself off the ceiling as well! I'm so proud of them. To do it together is fab."