SCOTLAND UNDER-19s are 90 minutes away from reaching the European Championships for the first time in 13 years after Rangers kid Zak Rudden scored a hat-trick to inspire a 4-0 triumph over Cyprus.

Rudden, who found the net in the impressive 3-1 triumph over Turkey last Wednesday, continued his prolific streak with a well-taken opener following some fine work from Jordan Houston.

Scotland doubled their advantage before half time when Rudden turned provider, teeing up fellow Rangers starlet Glenn Middleton to slot home.

Billy Stark's starting XI in Rio Ave also included promising Celtic midfielder Ewan Henderson and Chelsea wonder-kid Billy Gilmour and the strong Scotland side made the game safe after the break when Rudden bagged his second goal, converting a delivery from Celtic full-back Daniel Church.

Rudden, impressing on loan at Falkirk, ensured he would leave with the match-ball when he rippled the net in the closing stages, with Houston claiming another assist.

If Scotland defeat Portugal in Porto on Tuesday they will book a place at this summer's European Championships in Armenia. They last took part in that competition in 2006, losing out in the final against Spain.