a modern full back

One of the most eye catching elements of the U20s this season has been the role both full-backs have played in the side and their influence on games. The two Craigs, Murray and Duguid, are both very much modern day full-backs and are able to attack and defend in equal measure, while both are exceptional athletes and fantastic crossers of a football. RedMatchday recently caught up with left-back Craig Duguid.

“Craig Murray and myself are both quite fit, so we are able to make the runs up and down the wing. I enjoy the position and particularly enjoy getting forward, but it is important to remember that first and foremost I am a defender and must not neglect my defensive duties.

“Although I play on the left side, I am actually right footed. I would take free-kicks with my right foot, but I am equally at home using my left. When I came in at U17 level, I was actually a centre-half but was then moved to left-back. Michael Rose has been out injured the past couple of weeks so Neil has moved me back into the central defence alongside Scott Rumsby, but I do enjoy the full-back role.

“I am from Stonehaven and went to Mackie Academy. I was in the AFC Youth Academy when I was younger, at the U12 age group. I was actually a striker at the time but was let go. Although I was disappointed to be released from the Academy, it did not overly worry me. All it did was make me go away and work even harder at my game.

“I then went back and played for Stonehaven before moving to Lewis United. I enjoyed my time with them because we won a few league titles and also won the Scottish Cup. We had a very good side and a number of the boys were on Aberdeen’s books, although they never made the step up to professional level.

“I then got my chance to come back in and play a few games for Aberdeen U16s on trial and was given a contract to play a full season with the U17s. I played the one season and I must have impressed them as I was given a chance to join the club as a full time professional and become part of Neil Cooper’s youth side. That year at U17 level was tough as everyone is trying to make the step up so I was a bit surprised when I got the call but delighted at the same time. It was a great feeling.

“This is my second year a professional. Last season I did not play many games, I only came into the side after the winter break. Clark Robertson was still in the squad but then he moved up to the first team and Jack Grimmer left to join Fulham which meant I was given my opportunity. My first game was against Celtic in the SFA Youth Cup. It was a challenge being thrown into a big game like that so it was hard at first, but I started to find my feet as the season wore on and have been a regular in the side this year.

“I missed most of pre-season because I was injured but thankfully that did not hold me back too much and I was able to catch up on my fitness. I am naturally quite fit anyway, which I guess I have to be to make all these lung bursting runs up and down the flank! I am pleased with the way the season has gone. I feel my game has developed a lot and much of that is thanks to the work Neil Cooper has put in on the training ground with me. I think I have shown a good level of consistency in my performance which is important.

“The season has also gone well from the team’s point of view. We were very unlucky in the two games recently against Celtic. In the SFA Youth Cup game we made a couple of mistakes and were made to pay for them. In the league game we drew 1-1 but maybe should have won if we had taken our chances as we were the better side.

“We had a disappointing defeats against St Johnstone and Hibs last week. In the St Johnstone game the weather conditions had a bearing on the game, but we let ourselves down and Neil was understandably very disappointed with our attitude. Overall though, we have put in some good performances this season and bounced back with a good win on Tuesday at Motherwell. The recent weather has meant we will have a very busy schedule once all the games have been rearranged. We will be playing two games in a week but hopefully we can avoid picking up too many injuries and we can keep winning games and finish in a strong position in the table.

“I have enjoyed the new look U20 League this season but I have mixed views about the rule changes to the competition regarding the fact teams are able to field over age players. It has been a major plus having the chance to play alongside senior pros. You learn a lot from then, they talk you through the game and also give you some tips. On the down side, some of the young boys have to be left out to accommodate them which can be a bit unfair, especially if you are in a good run of form.

“I am a big Aberdeen fan. I was a season ticket holder for a number of years and used to come to the games with my dad and his brothers. It was a bit strange when Russell came back to the club, as this was a guy I used to go and watch when I was young and I then found myself playing alongside him in some of the reserve games last season which was a bit weird! Russell has been a big help and passes on advice and having Gary Naysmith around the place this season has been really good too.”