In-form Hearts star David Templeton was today celebrating after winning a call-up to Billy Stark's Scotland U21 squad for the UEFA U21 championship qualifying double-header against Belarus and Austria.

The Gorgie youngster has been outstanding in the opening weeks of the season, smashing two superb goals against Hamilton and Dundee Unikted in the opening three games of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

He has seen his performances rewarded with this afternoon's call-up and it's a deserved recognition for the former Stenhousemuir player, who is now hoping to be involved when the young lions take on Belarus in the Gorodskoi Stadium on Friday evening.

Speaking to Hearts News just moments after learning of his call-up, he said: "I only heard a wee while ago and am obviously delighted with the news.

"I think Murray Davidson got injured against Rangers at the weekend and has had to pull out and that's why I've got the call.

"Hopefully, I am involved now when we get across there. I thought I did well towards the end of last season and thought I might have a chance if I started this season okay.

"I need to be a bit more consistent with my performances but all I want to focus on now is impressing in training this week and then doing as well as I can if I get a chance against Belarus or Austria."

The young Scots take on Austria at Pittodrie a week tomorrow after opening their qualiying campaign against Belarus in Borisov (kick-off 6pm)

Temps admitted that his first international call-up has helped lift his mood after the disappointment of yesterday's 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tynecastle, his first-half opener being cancelled out by Morgaro Gomis' stunning late strike.

"It was a blow not to win the match after going in front but there was nothing Marian could do about their equaliser," he added.

"This news has definitely helped lift my spirits."

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On Hearts.TV today, the best of the action from yesterday's clash with Dundee United plus all the goals as the U19s hammered Kilmarnock 6-0.