Euro 24 chance is ‘huge carrot’ for under-21s says coach Gemmill

SCOT Gemmill believes the prospect of making it into the senior Scotland squad for Germany can be a “huge carrot” for his under-21s ahead of their important Euro 2025 qualifier against Kazakhstan on Thursday.

While Steve Clarke’s side are looking forward to the European Championship this summer, Scotland U-21s are in second place behind Spain in Group B at the midway point in qualification for the Euros in Slovakia.

Clarke named his squad for upcoming friendlies against Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

However, youngsters Leon King, Lewis Fiorini and Tommy Conway were invited to a senior training camp last summer, Max Johnston was added to the full squad for the first time in October 2023, following withdrawals by Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson, while Josh Doig has been involved in a couple of squads.

“I don’t feel the need to push it to them personally, they are all intelligent players, they know how close they are and they know how closely Steve watches our games,” said Gemmill, who revealed that Rangers’ Cole McKinnon has been brought into the squad after Josh Mulligan, Ben McPherson and Kai Fotheringham called off.

“So of course it is a huge carrot right there in front of them and they have to use these games as all the games, anything can happen in that regard.

“It is for the players to show (quality) on a consistent basis, but it is fair to say they have all shown it.

“It is the constant challenge for all young Scotland players, you have to do it consistently between now and the end of the season and I would say that applies to the full squad as well.

“I have heard Steve say that himself on occasion.”

Scotland U-21 coach Scot Gemmill backs his starlets.