YOUNG footballers in the Wee County were full of excitement when they got the chance to meet an inspiring Scottish internationalist last week.

Fiona Brown was spotted at Lornshill Academy last Wednesday, December 12, as she met youth teams from Sauchie Juniors.

The Dunblane-born forward was happy to have a chat with the youngsters, even if her contract prevented her from getting in about it.

She spoke with the 2003 boys’ team as well as the U11 Tullibody Girls who were delighted to meet someone who has made it in the female professional scene.

Laura Connor, team secretary and child protection officer for the club, said it was an opportunity for the young people to pick up some valuable advice.

She told the Advertiser: “It was nice to see someone who is local and she’s been playing football since she was five with various teams and now plays professional and plays for our country.”

Fiona, 23, currently plays for FC Rosengård in the southern Swedish city of Malmö against the spectacular backdrop of the Øresund strait that separates the country from Denmark.

She has been capped for Scotland on 29 occasions in her adult career, picking up plenty of youth call ups as she rose through the age groups.

Laura highlighted it was especially important for the girls to meet someone they can look up to.

A number of them hope to go pro one day, with the secretary adding: “It was nice for them to see someone who has absolutely made it.”

As for the advice given, Fiona encouraged the youngsters to “stick it out at school and to listen to their coaches”.

She added: "It was great to come along and see the boys training session.

"The work of the parents and volunteers can never be underestimated in these programmes, without them youth football wouldn’t exist.

"The set up is fantastic and it’s great to see the club investing in both girls and boys youth level teams."

Fiona also received thanks for bringing along an early Christmas gift: a signed pair of Puma boots that will be auctioned off to help raise funds.