The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Gemmill – young guns are always monitored
Scotland U21 boss Scot Gemmill has hailed the “character” shown by the Dundee and United players called up to his squad for the first time.
Five players will represent the two city clubs for the young team’s upcoming Euro U21 Championship qualifiers against Belgium and Denmark.
Dundee’s Harry Sharp and Josh Mulligan could make their international bows while the Tangerines’ Archie Meekison and Kieran Freeman have also earned their place.
Tannadice defender Ross Graham has also been recalled after a previous cap.
All of the young stars have shown their capabilities for their respective clubs and Gemmill has told other young guns on either side of Tannadice Street that their performances are being monitored.
“It’s always exciting to get new players into the squad, especially players that are young enough to play again at U21 level,” Gemmill said.
“There is not a young player in Scotland that shouldn’t be aware that we’re watching them.
“It’s not that big a country, of course we’ve been tracking them.
“We can’t pick everybody in every squad. We try to give the opportunity to the right players at the right time. It’s important to do that when they are playing.
“Dundee have had a tough season, but that again shows character.
“It’s not always easy to play a young player when the team has not been playing well. That shows the character these players have got and gives great excitement moving forward.”
Gemmill highlighted United’s Freeman in particular, with the young full-back a late call-up to the squad after West Ham’s Harrison Ashby pulled out.
The 22-year-old is no stranger to the Scotland boss having worked with him as a youngster.
Gemmill believes his inclusion is just reward after an impressive season and hinted that he may play a part in Sunday’s clash in Belgium.
“If you track him back, he played for the younger national teams,” he said.
“When I coached the U14s and U16s teams Kieran played.
“Unfortunately, he got two very serious injuries when he moved down to Southampton. He has done brilliantly to get back.
“He was very unfortunate not to be in the original squad. We have a lot of different options in that position, but Calvin Ramsay and Harrison Ramsay are unavailable, Josh Doig on the other side is unavailable, Aaron Hickey is now with the full squad.
“It’s brilliant to give Kieran the opportunity. He’s had a very strong year, playing at a very top level.”
Gemmill was involved in Scotland’s last trip to the World Cup in 1998 and is now helping national team boss Steve Clarke by developing players for the future.
The likes of Billy Gilmour, Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson have gone into the full squad when they were still eligible for Gemmill’s team and he believes the emerging talent can ensure he is no longer one of the last players to be part of a Scotland World Cup squad.
Gemmill said: “Of course, it just shows how difficult it is and there is no guarantee.
“I know the progress that Steve feels he has made with the team and they are pushing harder than ever.
“I think there has been real progress and, I know it’s not the World Cup, but a new competition starts next week and the focus will be there again. They have shown they can do it in the past recently with the Euros.
“I think it’s an exciting time for the national team. I think there is a good, real nucleus of players that are doing exceptionally well at club level and you can see it coming together for the full squad.”
“I understand it’s easy for me to say that because I am involved in the pathway of helping develop these players but I have seen it and I think 15 to 16 of the players have come through the 21s in the last few years.
“I definitely feel that the talent is there and that we’re close.”