FA WILL FIGHT SCOTS TO PICK McTOMINAY

ENGLAND are closely monitoring Scott McTominay’s progress and will fight Scotland all the way to ensure Manchester United’s emerging midfielder plays international football for the country of his birth. McTominay’s rise since the turn of the year has captured the imagination and he impressed once again when selected ahead of Paul Pogba in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League. Alex McLeish, the new Scotland manager, wants to meet the Lancaster-born 21-year-old with the hope of convincing him to represent the country of his father. He would be prepared to hand him a first call-up for next month’s friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary. The English FA, though, have been tracking McTominay since he was playing for United’s academy and there is little possibility of them letting Scotland have a free run at selecting him without discussing the situation. McTominay’s career has been progressing steadily, but he has shown his capabilities since Jose Mourinho handed him an extended opportunity in the first team. The efficient way he plays, with his neat passing and screening of the defence, has been noted at St George’s Park. It remains to be seen whether England coach Gareth Southgate would be prepared to bring McTominay into the squad for next month’s friendlies with Italy and Holland, as he looks to intensify his preparations for this summer’s World Cup. McTominay has not played any age-group football for England, but he remains eligible for the Under 21s, who are on course to qualify for next summer’s European Championship in Italy and San Marino and have fixtures in March against Ukraine and Romania.