Hickey is blazing a trail in Serie A, says Scots boss

SCOT GEMMILL admits he’s full of admiration for Aaron Hickey after the full-back made history by becoming the first Scot to score in Serie A for 35 years. The Scotland Under-21s boss has included Hickey, 19, in his squad to face top seeds Denmark next month in the second game of their Euro 2023 qualifying campaign after drawing in Turkey earlier this month. The fixture has been switched to Tynecastle instead of the original venue of Vejle because the Danes have a shortage of accommodation. Former Hearts star Hickey (above) is in line for his first cap for the Under-21s and Gemmill is thrilled to have him available. He said: ‘It’s fantastic he has been playing for Bologna, and it’s a great opportunity for him to experience being with the 21s. ‘But I would stress the challenge is still in front of him. He’s done fantastically well. It’s just the start.’

PEDRO Martinez Losa insists his Scotland Women’s team will take massive confidence from the perfect start to their World Cup qualifiers. The Scots followed up their opening victory in Hungary with a 7-1 success against the Faroe Islands at Hampden on Tuesday. He said: ‘They felt disappointed about not making it to the Euros, so I think to bring them back on track and make them believe was important.’