Goodwillie is feeling relaxed ahead of Thursday's play-off first leg

By Alasdair Lamont

David Goodwillie insists Iceland should not be considered favourites for Scotland's forthcoming Uefa Under-21 Championship play-off.

The Scots' opponents have called several full internationals into their squad for the two matches.

But Goodwillie believes his side can still triumph.

"We've got a lot of players in our 21s who play first-team football, so I don't see a lot of difference between us and them," he told BBC Scotland.

"It'll mean a lot to them, just as it means a lot to us. It'd be a life experience if we were to get through to the finals in Denmark.

I think it shows that Craig Levein's got it going in the right direction Scotland Under-21 striker David Goodwillie

"All of the boys would love it. Not everyone says they've been to something like that."

Billy Stark's side reached the play-offs by finishing top of their qualification group.

The first leg takes place in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on Thursday, with the return at Easter Road the following Monday.

Goodwillie believes there are positive signs across the board, with Scotland's under-19s still in contention to qualify for their equivalent tournament and the under-17s through to the Elite Round of qualifying for theirs.

"I think it shows that Craig Levein's got it going in the right direction. The young boys - at all age levels - are all playing well, so I think it means there's a good future ahead of us," he said.

The Dundee United striker, who scored his fourth goal of the season in the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday, says his thoughts have not yet turned towards a full international call-up to his former club manager's squad.

"I can still play 21s for another couple of years, but I'm looking forward to maybe getting a goal for Scotland and helping them get to Denmark," added Goodwillie.

"It helps (that he played under Levein at United), but he just gives everybody the same chance."

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