Squad for Scotland Under-21 match revealed
Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark has revealed his squad for his side’s friendly against Sweden on 11 August.
Several English-based youngsters have made the cut, including Hull City's midfielder Tom Cairney. The 19-year-old was born in Nottingham, but his father is from Scotland. He has played for the Hull first team 11 times, and scored against Everton Football Club in an English Premier League defeat in March.
Defender Grant Hanley of EPL club Blackburn Rovers has also made it into Stark’s squad. The 18-year-old, who was born in Dumfries, made his first-team debut for his club in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in May. Newcastle United’s Bradden Inman was one of Stark’s selections. The midfielder was born in Adelaide, Australia, and qualifies to play for Scotland as his mother hails from the country. Despite interest from the land of his birth, he is determined to play for Scotland.
New signing
Liverpool’s summer signing Danny Wilson has also made it into Stark’s plans. The 18-year-old was signed for an initial £2 million following a stellar season for Scottish Premier League giants the Rangers . He starred as he helped the Light Blues win a second league title in a row. The youngster has yet to be capped at Under-21 international level, but will be hoping his big move will help him secure a place in the starting line-up.
Stark said of the English-based quartet: "They've all performed well for us at under-19s. They are all at different levels for their clubs, but first-team level in England is a pretty high standard."
Cup winner
Several familiar names are in the squad, including Dundee United Football Club striker David Goodwillie. The youngster enjoyed a stellar season for his club, scoring 13 goals in 38 games across all competitions for his club as they finished third in the SPL. He also netted the opener, a 30-yard lob, at Hampden Park as United beat Ross County 3-0 to secure the Scottish Cup. Though Goodwillie has a reputation for being a bad boy after receiving fines after becoming involved in a pair of nightclub brawls, his talents have seen him lauded as one of the brightest prospects in the Scottish game, with the likes of Rangers and English Football League Championship outfit Leeds United said to have an interest in securing his services. The Tangerines forward has already played for the Under-21s side three times, scoring once.
Gunned down Gunners
Burnley Football Club’s Kevin McDonald has once again made it into Stark’s plans. The midfielder joined the Football League Championship club in 2008 from Dundee Football Club. That season, he helped Burnley gain promotion to the EPL, but the club were relegated the following year. In December 2008, he hit the headlines as he scored both goals in a 2-0 win over EPL giants Arsenal. He has played 14 times for the Under-21 national side having scored one goal.
Motherwell Football Club forward Jamie Murphy is also included. The 20-year-old has already made 83 appearances for the Fir Park club. In addition, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer in European competition when he scored in a 1-1 UEFA Europa League third round qualifier match against Aalesunds FK. He has played eight games for the Under-21 national side and has scored four goals.
Hibernian Football Club defender Paul Hanlon has made a return to the squad as well. The left-back has captained Scotland at Under-19 level and made his Under-21 debut against Albania in March 2009. The 20-year-old has played five games at Under-21 level for Scotland. Having faced competition from Sol Bamba, Hanlon has found himself in and out of the first team at Hibs, having made just 32 appearances for his club over the last two seasons.
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