The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong leads the way at Scotland training at Oriam in Edinburgh yesterday ahead of Friday’s friendly against Costa Rica.
Defender caught the eye in dark blue of Dundee
Jack Hendry’s Scotland call-up came on the back of his form for Dundee, more than what he has done at Celtic, according to Alex McLeish’s assistant, Peter Grant.
With Russell Martin and Kieran Tierney dropping out through injury, Hendry was drafted in.
The 22-year-old has only started two matches since his January switch from Dens Park to Parkhead but Grant insisted that he had already caught their eye with his displays in the dark blue of Dundee.
“Young guys have been doing well,” said Grant, “like young Scott (McTominay) and young Jack Hendry, who has been doing exceptionally well at Celtic.
“He was playing exceptionally well at Dundee. He was probably tested a lot more at Dundee. He handled that really well.”
Hendry and the rest of the Scotland squad were given a presentation by new boss McLeish on Sunday night which reminded them of high points of years gone by and mapped out a successful qualifying campaign in the not too distant future.
Grant said: “It was important for the players to know what they are representing. Alex told them that we are here to try to achieve qualification. There is no point hiding from that.
“Alex has been close before as Scotland boss and he admits it’s the most hurt he’s been because he wanted to get there. He hit the bar the last time but now he wants to put the ball in the back of the net.
“The supporters have been dying to get to a tournament for years but these players maybe don’t even realise that. They are so young.
“We came so close the last time and the players carry the burden now.
“They are new, young and they should be excited by the opportunity they have.
“The meeting lasted 10 to 15 minutes. It was short and to the point.
“He told them that this is the reason they are here and they had the first chance at it.
“It’s their opportunity to stay in the squad and they need to grab it.
“They are here, not because senior guys are being rested, but because they deserve a chance. If they come in and do the business, they will stay, no matter if they are experienced or not.
“To earn that right, they need to play well for the clubs but they are first in and they have a chance to shine.
“What an opportunity this is. Somebody is going to do it for Scotland and hopefully it’s going to be this time. Somebody is going to do it, so why can it not be you?”
Manchester United’s McTominay has made an excellent first impression,
Grant revealed.
“He came in last night and was very humble,” he said. “You can tell.
“That has maybe got him as far as he has. You see a lot of young players who play once for the first team and think they are a player.
“I was actually at his first game and didn’t know he was Scottish. That was at the Emirates against Arsenal and he was magnificent. I remember thinking, ‘wow, where has he come from’.
“That game I saw him in, he was like an old pro. He used the ball very well, played with an enthusiasm, a knowledge and understanding. The first thing I saw was ‘Mac’ and I was laughing saying he must be Scottish.
“I’ve watched him closely since. Then you find out he’s Scottish, then he wants to play for Scotland, now you’ve got an opportunity to work with him.
“It was like planes, trains and automobiles for Alex trying to get down to meet him.
“He said you could tell in five minutes what the boy was going to say. I’m excited as well.”