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THE father of Real Madrid starlet Jack Harper has warned Scotland they are in danger of losing his boy to Spain.

Scotland coach Ricky Sbragia snubbed Harper for the Scotland Under-19 squad and tagged him a luxury – and within 24 hours Spain were on the phone checking on his international status.

Sbragia says he needs more height in his squad for games against Austria, Croatia and Italy in Vienna, but Harper, who has just turned 19, already stands 6ft 1in.

Harper, born in Malaga, is committed to the country of his parents’ birth but dad John admits his son will have to consider his international future if he continues to be overlooked by Scotland selectors.

John, originally from Barrhead, said: “The day after Scotland announced the under-19 squad, and Jack wasn’t included, Spain were on the phone asking about his position and international status.

(Image: SNS)

“Their national academy is just a few miles from Real Madrid’s own training ground, so they know about Jack because they watch his team often enough.

“Jack wants to play for Scotland. I’m Scottish, so is his mum and the rest of the family. He is committed to Scotland, but if nothing is happening by the time he is 21 then he will have a decision to make because he has a life and a career to fulfil. Hopefully, it won’t come to that.

“To describe Jack as a ‘luxury player’ is a bit harsh. The word ‘luxury’ is a bit strong, but I have no wish to verbally assassinate the Scotland coach.

“He probably wishes he could back track on his choice of words because I certainly don’t believe Jack is a lazy player.

“He is not the type who will put in tackles all over the pitch and his game is more about passing and movement, but it’s better to let him do his talking on the football pitch.

“There have been many positives for him this season with Real Madrid. He has played and scored in the youth elite level for the club in the Champions League and that has helped his confidence. He is still fighting for the league and a couple of other major trophies with the club between now and the end of the season.

“He has still to fill out a bit, we appreciate that, but he’s already 6ft 1in and I know for a fact he will get there.”

(Image: Jeff Holmes/SNS Group)

Harper failed to secure of of the 18 spots available in Sbragia’s squad as they bid to secure a place at this summer’s European Championships in Greece.

Sbragia said: “At Real Madrid, Jack can float all over the place, which he does. But with us he has to be more disciplined. He’s an exceptionally gifted lad but we can’t carry him. He can be a luxury sometimes.

“We’ve deliberately gone for more height in our squad. That’s one of the reasons why Jack isn’t in it.

“I’ve gone for a physical side and runners. Hopefully I’m proved right in Austria. It’s purely a tactical decision.”

John added: “Jack was surprised and gutted when he wasn’t included in the squad. He was looking forward to the games, they had been pencilled in his calendar.

“The banter had been flying in his dressing room at Real Madrid with other lads who were looking forward to representing Spain, Norway and Lithuania at the European Championships.

“However, Jack’s time will come.”

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