MANCHESTER UNITED kid Donald Love was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, coached by new SFA Performance Director Brian McClair and recommended by captain Darren Fletcher.

So he can't wait to make his Under 21s debut today.

The 20-year-old is set to make his bow for Danny Lennon's side in Tatabanya this afternoon against Hungary. And Love - who qualifies to play for Scotland through his Stranraer-born father David - could hardly have received a more Scottish upbringing at Old Trafford.

The defender, who can play as a full back or central stopper, has been with United since he was seven years old. Fletcher, now at West Brom, personally recommended him to the SFA after being impressed with his performances for the reserves when he was recovering from his illness.

And Love was also signed by legend Fergie and coached by McClair, who will start his new role as SFA Technical Director in June.

"I have spoken to Sir Alex a couple of times. He was the one who offered me my first professional contract," he said. "I had to go into his office when he told me I was getting offered it. I spoke to him for something like five minutes. He told me how well I'd done that year and stuff. It's a bit overwhelming, he's a big name.

"I've been in the Man Utd system since I was seven. I started one night a week and the weekend. Then it changes the older you get. When I turned 18 I went full-time. Danny Lennon told me Darren Ferguson had spoken to him when he rang me. I knew Darren, he trained with us in the reserves last year when he was coming back from his illness.

"He played a couple of games and I spoke to him. He's a nice man and really helps you when he speaks to you. Playing and training with him he'll give you little tips. It meant a lot to know he'd called the Under-21s manager - he's a legend in Scottish football.

"He's a true professional isn't he? You see how hard he works, he does everything properly. Even when he was trying to get back from his illness he was giving 100 percent to everything. Seeing him do what he's done is what I want to do hopefully.

"I don't think Brian McClair had too much influence on me coming but I know him through United and he's a good man. He's great to work with. You look at how many players who have come through the Academy and he's been Academy Director.

"I think he'll be great for the role he's just been appointed to. He gives players confidence and helps everyone out. He's good to have around."

Love has impressed for United's reserves and was even playing with flop striker Radamel Falcao earlier this month against Spurs. And he's hoping he could be the next United youngster to be given a chance by Louis van Gaal.

He said: "I felt sorry for Falcao. There was a lot of pressure on him. It's hard for him to come down and play a game like that. He doesn't speak too much English so I didn't really talk to him. The manager treats him the same so it's just a normal game.

"They don't mind coming down to play with us. They've all got their own agendas. Falcao played for match fitness. When they come back from injury they all know they need game time so they give 100 percent.

"You get used to playing and training with players like that. It's growing up I suppose and getting used to it.

"The manager seems to give youngsters a chance. Paddy McNair couldn't get a game in our team last year and now he's played first team football."

Meanwhile, Lennon has praised Scotland boss Gordon Strachan for his help ahead of his first game as caretaker Under 21s manager.

He said: "Gordon has been fantastic in that he's let me get on with it. He's made me aware that he's on the end of a phone call if I need any advice. And I've used him for that. His man-management and trust has been fantastic.

"We've identified Hungary's weaknesses but we'll try and play to our strengths. The game-plan is coming together.

"I'm enjoying every minute of the job so far. I've tried to maintain high standards and I want a result and performance against Hungary."