CHRIS CADDEN has revealed his joy at finally being called into the Scotland U21 squad – and how he had to ditch Motherwell captain Keith Lasley's barbecue to meet up with his new team-mates.

Manager Mark McGhee spoke out last week at the 19-year-old midfielder not making Ricky Sbragia’s selection for the upcoming Euro qualifying double header, claiming he couldn’t understand the decision to leave his man out.

It triggered a huge response from supporters and team-mates, with last season’s Youth Cup-winning captain being kept on tenterhooks in the wake of Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Dundee as rumours begin to fly that he was ready to be drafted in.

Indeed, news eventually broke on Sunday night that after Lewis Macleod and Callum MacFadzean had dropped out, Cadden and Stephen Hendrie would take their place going into the games against Macedonia and Ukraine.

“I heard a few rumours at the club but there was nothing official," Cadden exclusively told SportTimes. "So I was happy that there was talk of things happening but didn’t want to think too much until it was confirmed.

“I wasn’t wanting to get my hopes up too much, but at 4pm on Sunday I got the call to say I was in. I was buzzing.

“It was Alan Burrows [Motherwell chief operating officer] that phoned. He congratulated me and sent me the details.

“I told my dad but he had to keep it under his hat until my gran and my aunties as well. They are all delighted, so are my mum, dad and brother. They’re thrilled and have told me I deserve it, I just want to make them proud now.”

Cadden has been a key part of McGhee’s team over the last nine months and has been at the pulsating heart of Motherwell’s midfield this season.

The teenager who can play on the right and through the middle already has three goals to his name this season and once again won the man of the match award at the weekend.

With hopes of a call up put to the back of his mind, Cadden spent Sunday preparing for some team bonding and a burger at his captain's house.

However, he explains that his call of duty meant he had to miss out so he could rush through to Edinburgh for the U21 gathering.

“Las was having a barbecue for all the boys,” said Cadden. “Wee Fergie [Motherwell’s David Ferguson] was in my house while I was getting a shower and he shouted on me to say that Alan was phoning me.

“So I took the call and ended up having to tell Fergie he would have to go up himself. I text Las and all the other boys to tell them I wouldn’t be there.

“They were all delighted for me. They were all laughing and saying ‘We’ll let you off with not coming but make sure you turn up at the next one!’

A statement on the Motherwell website last night confirmed their player’s inclusion.

Boss McGhee was full of praise for his player after a week to remember, and told SportTimes: “He’s a player that runs up and down, gets forward, chases back and has a tremendous industry and work ethic.

“Cadds still has to learn to be a better joined-up footballer, but he’s only 19.

“You forget that and we need to work at it with him when he breaks and then he should maybe play off Scott McDonald or the wingers.

“He’s still got a lot to learn but it was another terrific performance from him again.”