Celtic youngster Islam Feruz today became the first player to be selected for Scotland duty under the new schooling rule after being called up to the under-17 squad.

Somalia-born Feruz, 14, has been picked for the UEFA Under-17 Championship qualification round, to be held in Scotland later this month.

Feruz became eligible for selection after FIFA ratified a rule change which allows British passport holders born outside Scotland to represent the country providing they have been educated there for five years.

Hillhead High School pupil Ferez and his family moved to Glasgow when he was seven and he has been a rising star at Celtic for the past five years.

He told his club's official website: "Since my family and I came to Scotland seven years ago, we have been made to feel very welcome.

"I have been very proud to live in Scotland. It's a great country which is now my home and I will be very proud to wear the Scotland jersey.

"I would like to thank Celtic for all it has done for me over the last five years.

"The club has made sure I have been given great support. I would also like to thank Scotland coach Ross Mathie for giving me this great opportunity.

"I will be working hard to do all I can to do my best for Scotland and make the most of this opportunity."

Scotland youth team coach Mathie added: "I've known about Islam since his first involvement with the Celtic youth squads, and I've long been an admirer of his technical ability and prowess in front of goal.

"I know his new international team-mates will be delighted that he has committed himself to Scotland, and they will look forward to playing with someone of his ability."

Celtic head of youth Chris McCart said: "Islam is a tremendous example of a young boy working hard to do the very best he can in achieving his goals.

"He and his family have had a difficult time in terms of leaving Somalia and coming to a new country, but the fact that he has settled and done so well is testament not only to his own commitment and drive, but also to the magnificent welcome which Scotland has given him, something which I know he is very appreciative of."

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith, who was the driving forced behind the rule change, said: "Islam is a fine example of the type of person that this new rule is designed to benefit.

"The rule reflects the changes to our society in recent years, and is designed to promote social inclusion in football.

"Islam is a talented boy who has worked hard. He did not move to Scotland seeking to play international football.

"His family made their home here for their own reasons, and having grown up here, Islam regards himself as Scottish."