Gemmill happy to mix things up with first squad
SCOT GEMMILL has warned that first-team football at club level is no passport to a place in his Scotland Under-21 squad.
The former U17 and U19 head coach was speaking at Hampden yesterday as he unveiled his first selection at the older age group since taking over from Ricky Sbragia earlier this month.
As well as familiar names such as Motherwell’s Chris Cadden, Hearts loanee Liam Smith and Aberdeen’s Craig Storie, Gemmill also listed Chelsea academy kid Ruben Sammut, Reading protégé Zak Jules and Nottingham Forest’s Alex Iacovitti.
And in his first team that will go to Iceland and Macedonia for the forthcoming Euro qualifiers, Gemmill is happy to mix things up.
“It’s something I feel quite strongly about,” he said. “If we know they are outstanding young footballers with incredible potential, we can’t not play them at this level.
“I have to trust my own judgment of the players.”
With Scotland out of the running to qualify for next summer’s tournament in Poland, next month they will go up against opponents who are still in the mix.
“We are in for a real test in Iceland and Macedonia but I think it’s brilliant because straight away these players have got nowhere to hide. That’s really good for their development,” said Gemmill.
“They will be better players for the experience.”