Kilmarnock captain Robbie Deas paid tribute to the impact of teenager Findlay Curtis after the youngster’s stunning goal helped the Ayrshire side to a crucial victory over Dundee United.
The Rangers loanee scored the second goal in a 3-0 win at Rugby Park which lifted Killie above St Mirren and out of the relegation playoff spot, and consigned Livingston to the drop.
With Scotland head coach Steve Clarke watching from the stands, the 19-year-old winger played the first half out of position at right-back before grabbing his goal when moved further up the pitch after the break.
“Fin’s a fantastic lad,” Deas told BBC Scotland.
“He comes in, he works so hard and he fits in so well. He deserves everything he’s got. I’m delighted for him.
“He’s got his [Scotland] call-up and his debut, but he knows himself that he still needs to work hard. You can see that today.”
Curtis made his international bow in the last international window, coming on as a second-half substitute against Japan to play on the left wing.
During the first half of the season, while still at Rangers, he played at both wing-back and as an attacking midfielder.
“He’s playing different positions, I don’t know how many positions he’s played today, but he’s more than capable of it. He’s a very level-headed guy.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him and I hope he keeps it up.”