Scotland Under-21 head coach Scot Gemmill is taking a positive stance on the recent promotion of young stars Josh Doig and Connor Barron to the senior national team squad.
This news, however, comes with a significant challenge for Gemmill, as his side will be without eight essential players during their upcoming Euro 2025 qualification matches against Spain and Malta.
Doig, a talented left-back playing for Sassuolo, and Barron, who has been a regular feature in Rangers's first XI since arriving from Aberdeen this summer, were called up to Steve Clarke’s 'A' team on Tuesday following a series of late withdrawals.
Their inclusion has left the Under-21s stretched at a crucial juncture - where they sit second in Group B after six games.
Gemmill's squad had already been impacted by the absence of key players like Max Johnston, Ben Doak, and Tommy Conway, who were recently introduced into the senior squad.
Additionally, injuries have ruled out Ibane Bowat, Lewis Fiorini, and Liam Morrison, further complicating preparations. Despite these setbacks, Gemmill remains upbeat and focused.
“It’s definitely positive,” said the 53-year-old, despite senior boss Clarke admitting he would've rather avoided disrupting preparations by poaching important players.
“That’s why this team exists, to develop young players. It’s brilliant for the players and I view it that it shows the players have been doing well, not only for us but at their clubs as well. I definitely see it as a positive.
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“We’re all football people and we know how it works. Young players get their opportunity whether it’s through a first-team player being injured, suspended or ill, and then it’s up to them to take the opportunity.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for them to be involved, and now they have to go and confirm their talent. We think they’ve got great potential and now they have to go and take their opportunity if they get it.
“Of course, we lose a bit of control in terms of the timing (of the call-ups) but it creates opportunities for others to step up. That’s how the system works. I think just over half of our current squad are young enough to play in the next under-21 competition so it allows us to give an opportunity to those (younger) players.”
Gemmill's side host Spain at Tynecastle Park on Friday and he believes the Euro 2025 Under-21 qualifier is exactly the sort of test his youthful squad should relish.
“Spain are the top seed in our section and I would say they’re probably the top team in the whole competition,” Gemmill explained.
“They will have aspirations to win the tournament but it’s a brilliant opportunity for our players.
“We showed in Spain last year that if we get the performance correct then we can play against anyone. They’ve made a lot of changes to the squad they had then, and we have too.
“It’s really exciting and it’s brilliant for the players to come up against that level of opposition – it’s what they need to help them keep improving.”
