Gemmill insists there will be no complacency against Lithuania

SCOT GEMMILL’S young Scots have started off their Euro qualifying campaign in flawless fashion but he vows there will be no complacency when they take on Lithuania at Tynecastle tonight.

Victories over San Marino and Czech Republic last month mean the Scots sit in joint first place with Greece on six points in Group D and while, on paper, a victory over Lithuania this evening should be forthcoming, Gemmill knows just how easy it is for slip-ups.

“Historically, in my opinion, these are the games where Scotland don’t do well at any age level,” he said. “We’ve just beaten Croatia – a Pot One team – away. Last year we beat Holland home and away but drew at home to Latvia. They are an equivalent Pot Five team [to Lithuania]. But these are the games where you have to find a way.”

The Scotland back-room team

have studied the Lithuanians closely and he has relayed to his players just how tough a match he thinks they are in for. However, Gemmill believes the point of under-21 football is to expose his players to such challenges.

“I see the games as hurdles they need to get over in terms of performance,” he said. “It’s going to be very tough against Lithuania. I’ve watched the games they’ve played and they are absolutely on it in terms of being physical. I don’t think this will be like an international game. It will be almost like a Scottish Cup game. “I’ve been impressed with Lithuania. We are absolutely in for a game where we need to be on it. Lithuania are coming with everything they’ve got. No doubt, they will be coming with real intent and our players have to get over that hurdle.”

At last week’s Scotland squad announcement, manager Steve Clarke namechecked Ryan Porteous and while Gemmill was full of praise for the Hibs defender, he believes it is impossible to predict whether players are ready for the full squad. “Steve’s knowledge of the players is excellent,” he said of Clarke. “He

doesn’t miss a trick, he knows them all. Is Ryan ready for a call-up? That’s a question only Ryan can answer in his performances.

“I don’t care how experienced you are – and I’m talking as someone who has worked in youth football for a number of years – you never know for certain until you put them in. Whichever players are lucky enough to progress they have to take the opportunity.”

Porteous, himself, is just looking to help the under-21s.

“You never know what will happen in the future and that’s obviously my long-term goal [to join Clarke’ squad] but now the main focus is trying to get fully fit and do a job for the under 21s,” he said.