Macca gets first under-21 goal

Last updated : 07 October 2011 By Tony Scholes

He was an unused sub last time out for the Scots, but last night, in a European qualifier played at the stadium named after the great Olympic 1500 metre winner Josy Barthel, he was in the starting line up.

The Scots dominated but there was almost half an hour gone before they finally got the breakthrough when Alex hit a shot from the edge of the box that bounced in front of the goalkeeper. He got a touch to it but couldn't prevent it from going in.

By half time it was 3-0 with Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes scoring twice, his first goals at this level too, and in the second half he completed his hat trick before Luxembourg pulled one back.

Scotland scored the last goal of the game with full back Paul Hanlon heading in a late goal.

They now face Austria this coming Monday at St. Mirren before Alex returns to Turf Moor hoping to make a breakthrough into the first team at Burnley.

He's made four substitute appearances this season, his first action in the first team since the FA Cup defeat at Arsenal in March 2009.

Alex has now made a total of 12 appearances in the first team since his debut against Cardiff in April 2008 but is still awaiting his first start.