A PORT school is celebrating a goal-den moment after one of its best young footballers made his Scotland debut.

Seventeen-year-old St Stephen's pupil Jayden McGivern, who is on the books of the Morton youth academy, made his international debut for the Scottish Schools under-18s against the Republic of Ireland in a Centenary Shield tournament match which finished 0-0.

He is following in the footsteps of former pupil Chris Millar, who like him represented his country at this level and was with Morton before going on to become a Scottish Cup winner at St Johnstone.

Sixth year Jayden lined up alongside best friend Nathan Cannon, from St Columba's High in Gourock, for the clash.

St Stephen's High members of staff and pupils turned up to cheer him on.

Jayden said: "It is such a fantastic experience to be in the Scottish squad.

"I think it means a lot to St Stephen's, they have been a great support to me.

"It is also great to be following in the footsteps of someone like Chris Millar and play with my best friend Nathan.

"We always push each other on.

"I'm with Morton under-18s which is also great, so I am enjoying my football."

"I just want to keep playing and take all the opportunities that come my way."

Jayden's school football coach, principal maths teacher Michael Dyer, is proud to see Jayden flying the flag for St Stephen's.

He said: "Jayden's an incredibly talented young footballer and such a hard working pupil.

"This is such an honour for the school - Jayden is the first St Stephen's pupil to get into the Scottish Schools squad since Chris Millar."

Jayden was one of three local players who made the Scottish squads - with him and Nathan Cannon called up along with Taylor Coulter from Port Glasgow High.

SSFA vice president Gillian Duffy, from Greenock, who also coaches the girls under-15s, is delighted to have such a strong Inverclyde contingent.

She added: "I am very proud to see them all representing Scotland."