Liam Cooper says he is trying to convince Leeds United teammate Archie Gray to play for Scotland.
Cooper was speaking in an interview with the Scottish Herald, where he admitted that it will be a difficult task for Scotland to persuade Gray to switch his allegiance from England.
Gray is one of England’s brightest young prospects at youth level having represented the U15s, U16s, U17s and U19s in the last two-and-a-half-years.
Despite being just 17, he is already a key player for the U19s having played 90 minutes in all three of their matches during the October international break.
However, Gray is still eligible to represent Scotland. His father Andy and grandfather Frank are both former Scotland internationals, while great-uncle Eddie – a Leeds legend – also earned 12 caps for his nation.
Cooper says he is trying to convince Gray to play for Scotland
With how highly he is rated at youth level for England, Cooper has admitted it will be a tough task to convince Gray to switch his allegiance, but insists he will keep trying.
He said: “I’m still trying to tap him up, don’t worry about that! No, I’ve been a bit of a secret agent. He knows I’ll always be there. He’s such a young boy and his family are steeped in Scottish and Leeds history.
“There is definitely a bit of sentiment there but he’s flying at the minute with England. He’s captain of the Under-18s, which is a bit of a stinker for us. But I’ll keep nipping away and hopefully I can break him down.”
Like Cooper said, Gray’s family has plenty of Scottish history but at the end of the day, he is English and has already represented several age groups at youth level.
Should Gray go onto fulfil the potential he is currently showing, there is no doubt he will one day be good enough to make that step into international football for England.
He has more chance of competing for major international honours if he does continue with England, but ultimately the decision will be his.
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