McLennan’s late double seals huge win for young Scots

Connor McLennan came off the bench to hit a double as Scotland Under-21s came from behind to beat top seeds Croatia 2-1 in a European qualifier last night.

Scotland trailed to an early goal until Scot Gemmill’s double substitution in the 78th minute paid off in spectacular fashion.

McLennan struck the equaliser three minutes later after brilliant wing play from fellow sub Glenn Middleton.

And the Aberdeen forward headed an 89th-minute winner to give Scottish football a muchneeded boost after consecutive Hampden defeats for the senior team against Russia and Belgium.

Scotland – who lost Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour to a knock following their opening group win over San Marino – were rewarded for a spirited performance after falling behind early on in Sibenik.

The hosts took the lead inside 10 minutes with a straightforward cross and header.

A ball was swung in from the right and Legia Warsaw centreforward Sandro Kulenovic got in between centre-back Ryan Porteous and right-back Ross McCrorie to head home.

Darko Nejasmic came close for the home team with a 22-yard strike but Scotland threatened twice in quick succession late in the half before stunning their hosts late on.

Middleton, who is on loan at Hibernian from Rangers, tracked back to win the ball on the halfway line before bursting past two opponents on the left and picking out McLennan with a cutback.

The Aberdeen forward showed good feet to bend the ball around a defender and into the corner of the net.

Hornby made a long ball his and looked a good bet to score before a defender made a last-ditch challenge.

But Scotland regained possession and McCrorie swung in a cross which McLennan attacked to head in off the goalkeeper’s hands.