14-year old Somali-born Celts’ wonderkid Feruz made history when he  came on as a a second half substitute in Scotland U17s 2-1 defeat to Cyprus at East End Park last week under new Fifa’s new school ruling, which allows a British passport holder who has been educated for at least five years in one of the home nations to play for that country.

The young refugee hitkid then made his first Scotland start against Georgia the same week. But speaking to the Daily Record Mathie admitted his hands are tied from preventing Scottish football’s new rising star switching sides before he earns a full cap.

Mathie said: ‘A lot of players have changed their minds before the age of 21 and swapped the country they are playing for but as Islam’s youth coach I have no control over that.’’

Feruz will head the attack for Scotland’s U16s in their Victory Shield clash with Wales on Thursday to be shown live on Sky and is expected to shine when he take sot the field against players near his own age.

Mathie added: ‘Right now he’s very much part of the set-up and has handled the hype surrounding his selection superbly.

"The Scotland fans have also taken to him and given him a great welcome. The reception he got at Dunfermline last week was special and makes him feel involved.’’

Feruz is regarded as one of the brightest talents of his age group at the Celtic Academy. He  has lived in Scotland for 7 years and has already turned out for Celtic’s U19s.
 
He was invited to join the Hoops four years ago as a 10-year-old after Celtic scout John Simpson saw him playing at Castlemilk sports centre.

Hoops fans were given a glimpse of the teenager in May when he featured in a tribute match in honour of the late Celtic hero Tommy Burns, who died last year. The former Celtic manager and academy director had taken the young player under his wing and was active in the fight for asylum to be granted to Feruz and his family.

Like Scotland, Celtic could also face a tough task trying to hold onto the rising star as the club cannot put the player on a professional contract until he is 16.