HELENSBURGH footballer Aidan Wilson was in action for Scotland as they exited the Uefa European Under-17 Championship in Azerbaijan after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Portugal on Sunday.

A goal in each half was enough to secure Portugal’s place in the quarter-finals and send Scotland out of the tournament, after a 2-0 defeat by Belgium in their opening fixture.

Scotland face hosts Azerbaijan in their final Group A match as the Advertiser goes to press with third place still up for grabs.

More than 33,000 supporters attended Azerbaijan’s match against Portugal last week, setting new attendance record at any Uefa youth competition since the inaugural seasons in 2001/02.

Hermitage Academy pupil Wilson will be hoping for another starting spot for Scot Gemmill’s side after playing every minute of both games, if he does he will line up in front of up to 11,000 spectators.

The Scots made a bright start to the Portugal match and spurned a good chance on six minutes.

Kyle McAllister found Zak Rudden wide on the right and Rangers forward tried to slide in Lee Connelly for a tap-in but his pass was cut out. The chance sparked Portugal into life and Celtic goalkeeper Aidan McAdams made a great double save on 12 minutes to keep the scoreline at 0-0.

McAdams came to Scotland’s rescue again on 35 minutes, making a flying save to deny a Jose Gomes header.

Scotland worked hard but Portugal netted just three minutes before half time. Gomes linked up with Quina on the edge of the penalty area and he fired low beyond McAdams.

The Scots were under relentless pressure and Portugal grabbed a second on 55 minutes. Gedson Fernandes clipped in a cross and Gomes nodded past McAdams.

Portugal continued to dominate although Scotland were denied a late consolation when Daniel Meridith crossed for Glenn Middleton but the Norwich midfielder’s volley went wide.

Scotland: McAdams, Meredith, Wilson, Baur, Hornby, Burt, (Middleton 59) Connelly, Rudden (Morrison 59), McAllister (Watson 52), Adamson, Hegarty.