MARK WOTTE reckons new Scotland kid Islam Feruz reminds him of Brazilian legend Romario.
The Chelsea youngster burst on to the international scene with a double for Scotland Under-21s as they raced into a two-goal lead in Portugal before a second-half collapse cost them an impressive win.
Former Celtic striker Feruz looks the real deal and could be Scotland's most exciting talent to come through for years.
SFA Performance Director Wotte saw Romario make a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven as a youngster before going on to become a Barcelona star.
He netted a staggering 96 goals in just 107 games for PSV in an exciting five-year spell from 1988.
And Dutchman Wotte can see similarities between the Brazilian great and Feruz. He said: "He reminds me of the young Romario coming from to Brazil to PSV. He was so quick and so explosive that a lot of defenders couldn't touch him.
"The second goal Feruz scored against Portugal was a typical example of a Romario-style goal.I don't want to stamp him as the new Romario because he is still only 17. Islam still has two or three years of development ahead of him."
Wotte has been impressed with Feruz's now-found maturity, which has seen him impress for Chelsea's reserve and youth sides.
Former Southampton manager Wotte said: "He scored three goals in his previous match in the Under-19s and now two goals against Portugal in the Under-21s.
"The thing I also like about him is he is working his socks off for the team.
"That is important if you want to become the next striker for Scotland. Of course, Jordan Rhodes is ahead of him now, but he is five years older.
"It is a long way to go for Islam but he is making steps in his career."
It may be doom and gloom for the national side, but Wotte is excited about the strength of colts coming through.
He pointed out: "Stuart Findlay is only 17 as well and him and Islam have great potential. We also have other promising players such as Lewis MacLeod so it is good to include the younger players in the Under-21s.
"For me, it is not an issue about how old you are, you have to be good enough. If you are 17 or 18 and good enough to play in the Under-21s, then why not?"
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