Gemmill up for challenge against Auld Enemy

Scot Gemmill believes his Scotland Under-21s will, on Friday, come up against an England side good enough to cut it at full international level.

The Scots take on the Auld Enemy at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in a Euro 2019 qualifier.

England boss Aidy Boothroyd has Premier League starlets like Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Everton midfielder Tom Davies, Crystal Palace’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Leicester striker Demarai Gray at his disposal.

And Gemmill has little doubt about the quality of opposition facing his side.

“It’s a great fixture for both teams,” he said. “No matter the age group there is always a sense of occasion when the two teams meet.

“That will be the case on Friday so we’re looking forward to it.

“Are this England Under-21 side as strong as some full international sides? That’s a very valid point.

“One of their players (Tottenham’s Harry Winks) has just been called into the full squad so that supports that point.

“So the challenge to the young players here is to show they can get over this hurdle and prove they are (good) enough to go to the next level themselves.”

The Scots got their Group 4 campaign off to the perfect start with a surprise 2-0 win over Holland in Paisley last month.

Scot Gemmill: in no doubt over quality of opposition.