THEY may still be at school but a group of Glasgow teenagers have taken one step closer to their dream of playing football for Scotland.

Holyrood Secondary School pupils, Ryan McGeever and Conor McVey, both 17, and Gary Duggan, 16, have all scored places on the Lloyds TSB Scotland under-18 Schoolboys' squad after undergoing trials at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

They now hope to follow in the footsteps of famous former pupils; Scotland international Alan Brazil, 1960s Celtic player Charlie Gallagher and former Sheffield United player, John McGeady.

Stuart McMorris, Holyrood's PE teacher, is proud of how far the trio have come. He said: "They're a credit to the school.

"They're really nice boys and are very focused and determined to succeed.

"As well as being at the sports centre at nights, working on their conditioning and fitness, they are also focused on their studies."

The youngsters will now be part of the national youth side for fixtures against the other four home nations.

This month Scotland will start its campaign for the Centenary Shield at home to Nothern Ireland, before welcoming Wales to Forfar Athletic's Station Park next month.

The squad will then face two away trips, with the Republic of Ireland, and England at Newcastle's Sports Direct Arena, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Ryan, from Kings Park, has been playing football since he was five and hopes to play professionally one day.

He said: "I'm delighted that I've been selected, I went for the trial last year and didn't get in and that was really disappointing. It's going to be hard to fit this in with all my studies but I'll do it."

Conor, from Simshill, said: "I didn't think I would make it through to the squad, I'm going to work hard and study when I can."

Gary, from Govanhill, has played for under 16s and 17s squads at international level previously.

He said: "The school has given me a lot of time off in the past for this, so I think I'll be okay."

Rod Houston, Scottish Schools' FA President, added: "Our International schools' set-up has an illustrious history of nurturing young talent in Scotland.

"We all hope the class of 2012 can build on the success of our 2011 squad and retain the Centenary Shield."