ALEX MacDonald has been urged to continue pushing for a first-team place at Turf Moor after scoring two goals on his first appearance as Scotland Under 19s captain this week.

The 18-year-old forward, who has come off the bench for five times for Burnley’s first team this season, was handed the captain’s armband by Scotland Under 19s manager Billy Stark this week and responded with a brace in his country’s 3-2 friendly loss in France on Wednesday.

That was something that pleased Burnley boss and fellow Scot Owen Coyle, who now wants MacDonald to maintain his challenge for first-team football with the Clarets.

Coyle said: “I know for a fact from speaking to Billy Stark that hey absoulutely love him. We’re in the same boat with that.

“It’s not often a striker becomes captain of his country but such is the regard they hold him.

“Then for him to respond by scoring two goals against France away from home, it’s a tremendous achievement for him and it gives tremendous pride to the football club to have a player as captain of Scotland Under 19s.

“Before, he’s been in and about the first team and he has to continue to do that.

“I’m delighted because you know my policy on youth and trying to get young players into the team.”