Callan Hamill is considered one of the most popular prospects in Scottish football and is about to maneuver to Arsenal this summer after rejecting interest from Celtic and Rangers.
The St Johnstone prospect has already trained with the Gunners’ youth ranks and a six-figure fee has been agreed between the Premier League giants and his current club St Johnstone.
The Athletic report that the deal has been done and the Scot will move in the summertime, eligible to make the switch to England after his sixteenth birthday in March.
The defender has been capped for Scotland at Under-15, U-16 and U-17 level, scoring his first goal for his country against Cyprus earlier this week.
‘It was a really proud moment for me and my family to attain my first international goal for my country,’ Hamill said.
But what has been said concerning the highly-touted teenager by the coach who knows him best?
Head of St Johnstone’s youth academy, Alistair Stevenson, spoke concerning the impressive teen last 12 months when Hamill was called up for Scotland Under-15s to fulfill England.
‘Callan has been with us for 4 years, he stays in Bannockburn and goes to Graeme High School,’ Stevenson said in February 2024.
‘He has been doing well and has been making progress over the past 4 years. He has steadily improved and now has international recognition. It’s implausible for him, it’s great for the club and big for the academy.
Speaking of his performances for his country’s Under-15 side, Stevenson added: ‘Callan played against Italy, Portugal and the USA within the three-country tournament.
‘They won two games out of three and Callan captained the side on two occasions where he played the complete game.
‘He’s a superb leader and really mature for his age. He’s an excellent all-round player and we now have him quicker and more intelligent by way of how the sport is played.
‘Callan knows what’s required of him. He’s a little bit of a student of the sport in some ways and has a implausible attitude.
‘He’s level-headed. The group get on so well together they usually are pleased to see one another do well.’
Stevenson credited the work of plenty of youth coaches at St Johnstone for helping to shape the defender’s impressive young profession.
‘Different coaches have worked with Callan over the 4 years, so it just isn’t only one person,’ he said. ‘Sometimes you don’t get the prospect of a player like this out of the blue once they are 14 or 15. It is advisable to have them early.
‘We attempt to make it special for the players. We’re a friendly club. A family club. And also you enjoy seeing them progress.’
MORE: Man Utd VAR incident embarrassing and clearly mistaken, says former referee
MORE: Mikel Arteta responds to Ethan Nwaneri injury fears after Arsenal defeat to West Ham
MORE: Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
