Dale makes it a double

Just days after being crowned the Clydesdale Bank U19 League Player of the Season, Dale Hilson of Dundee United was at Tannadice to receive the latest Clydesdale Bank Rising Star award.

Originally from Stirling, Dale joined United as a youth player before signing pro for the SPL side in January 2009. Since then, the 17-year-old has continued to develop into a formidable striker, scoring 14 goals for the U19s this season.

He said: "It’s always pleasing to win an award but to pick up two like this in a week is a great achievement! I’ve been getting plenty of congratulations from the boys but I’m sure I’ll get some stick in the dressing room soon. It’s all just banter though – we have a really good team spirit here.

"Going full-time last January has probably been the main reason behind my good form this year.  When you get more time day-in-day-out to work with the high-quality coaches we have here at the club you’re obviously going to improve quicker.

"Just like the first team we’ve had a great season this year and that’s down to the performance of the whole U19 squad not just a couple of players – it’s a team game after all.

"I’d obviously love to be more involved with the first team but the squad is really strong just now and doing really well so I need to be realistic. I’m just happy to keep working hard with the U19s to develop my game so that whenever I’m asked to step up I’m ready to take my chance."

Following each U19 fixture, coaches nominate a man of the match from their own team as well as one from their opponents. The U19 player who receives the most votes in the designated time period is recognised with a Clydesdale Bank Rising Star Award.