Headline: Scotland Under-21 Squad Welcomes Key Players for Upcoming Friendlies
Under-21s head coach Tony Docherty expressed his enthusiasm regarding the commitment shown by three players from Scotland’s senior squad. Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Heart of Midlothian striker James Wilson have been selected for a revamped Scotland Under-21 team that will participate in friendlies against Ukraine and the United States in Spain this month.
These players were part of Sebastian Pocogonoli’s inaugural Scotland senior squad and will join Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, who transitioned to Docherty’s roster following his World Cup experience in September.
“I’m really, really delighted with the introduction of the ones that have had that A squad experience, and they’re really the drivers,” Docherty stated. “They become your leadership group that drives standards, creates that mentality, and establishes that identity.”
Docherty noted the positive influence of the senior squad experience during the last camp when he returned with players James and Findlay Curtis before Findlay was called back up to the senior team due to his performance.
He continued, “Lennon and Colby Donovan, I’ve had dialogue with both of them quite a bit over the last couple of days to outline what their pathway is. If they’re not going to be getting minutes for this camp with the A squad, it’s important they come into my squad, which will mirror the structure and fundamentals they are accustomed to. This gives them the chance to gain valuable game time.”
Miller, who transferred from Motherwell to Udinese last summer with hopes of solidifying his place in the senior squad, now finds himself in a competitive area of the squad. Docherty revealed, “I had a particularly long conversation with Lennon. He’s seen the example from the last camp with Barney Stewart, who came in, scored three goals, and then returned to West Brom’s first team, finding success.”
Regarding Donovan, Docherty emphasized the importance of enthusiasm, saying, “I had a good conversation with Colby, and he just wants to play. It’s vital that we have this commitment; it’s not us telling Colby, ‘you’re playing with the 21s,’ it’s him expressing to us that he wants to play and make an impression.”
In addition, St Mirren striker Eseosa Sule received a call-up as Docherty gears up for a new European qualifying campaign, with 16 players from his previous squad having aged out of eligibility.
Rangers youth forward Kyle Glasgow has been reassigned to the Scotland Under-19 squad for three upcoming European qualifying matches. The 16-year-old, currently on loan to Alloa Athletic, will join his older brother Euan Glasgow, who is on loan to Edinburgh City from Hearts.
Scotland Under-21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Kane (Derby County), Rory Mahady (Leeds United), Aidan Rice (Dumbarton on loan from Celtic).
Defenders: Daniel Armer (Manchester United), Murray Campbell (Burnley), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Josh Dede (Middlesbrough), Mitchel Frame (Aberdeen), Dylan Smith (Ross County), Ethan Sutherland (Exeter City on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Tod (Dunfermline Athletic).
Midfielders: Calum Adamson (Raith Rovers on loan from Rangers), Aidan Borland (Accrington Stanley on loan from Aston Villa), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Calum McLeod (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Kyle Ure (Crewe Alexandra on loan from Celtic), Dylan Watret (Ayr United).
Forwards: Findlay Marshall (Aberdeen), Alfie Stewart (Inverness Caledonian Thistle on loan from Aberdeen), Eseosa Sule (St Mirren), Andrew Tod (Dunfermline Athletic), James Wilson (Heart of Midlothian).
