Scot’s got no fear of croc crisis for babes

SCOT GEMMILL knows his Scotland Under-21s are heading for the jaws of hell in their opening Euros qualifier in Bursa.

The youngsters will face Turkey at the unique Timsah Arena tomorrow.

Timsah translates as crocodile and Bursaspor’s stadium in fact features the mouth of the reptile incorporated into one of the stands.

Covid restrictions have prevented Gemmill from including 10 Englandbased players in his squad.

He said: “There is a chance it will be quite hostile but that’s great.

“It’s what our players need to experience because that’s what they get playing for the full squad.

“At this level it would be fantastic. We do everything to try to recreate what they’ll experience if they play with the full squad.

“And in this campaign we have to go to places like Turkey and Kazakhstan.

“They need to know what that is like. Previously,

TURK IT EASY Gemmill we have been to places like North Macedonia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, playing in front of decent crowds. That’s exactly what we want and I hope it is like that.

“We obviously learn about them as individuals, as characters and who can be trusted to play. It’s all valuable insight.”

Although his squad is depleted, Gemmill will still be able to call upon two highly-rated full-backs, with Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay and Hibs’ Josh Doig set for Under-21 debuts.

Gemmill said: “It’s a very important opportunity for them and we want them to enjoy it.

“Playing at this level, regardless of how well they are doing for their clubs, really pushes them on.

“Their managers are delighted they are with us.”