Call-ups for Wighton, Hardie and McMullan

Dundee forward Craig Wighton and Raith Rovers and Dunfermline loan players Ryan Hardie and Paul McMullan have been selected for Scotland under-21s’ next match.

Malaga forward Jack Harper is also among 10 uncapped players called up to the squad for the game against Estonia on March 28.

Harper, a former Real Madrid youth player and under-19 international, has been in goalscoring form for Malaga’s reserve team in the lower leagues of the Spanish set-up since returning to his native country following a spell at Brighton.

St Mirren pair Stephen Mallan and Lewis Morgan are also in Scot Gemmill’s new-look squad.

McMullan’s maiden under-21 call-up is just reward for a sensational campaign, according to Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston .

The 21-year-old, who is on loan at East End Park from Celtic, has emerged as one of the Pars’ key men during their first season back in the Championship, bagging seven goals in 31 outings from a wide position.

While McMullan has previously enjoyed spells with Stenhousemuir, St Mirren and Morton, he has delivered a new-found consistency in Fife.

Pars boss Johnston said: “I know myself it’s a massive honour to get called up for your country and its something Paul deserves, he has been playing really well and everyone at Dunfermline is delighted for him.

“It’s something that always gives you a bit of extra confidence and spring in your step, so I’m sure it will give him a big lift heading into the last couple of months of the campaign.

“Paul has been at a few clubs, but he has come here and done really well and kicked on, so he can be proud of how he has progressed.

“For him, it’s now about enjoying the experience and doing himself justice, and then keeping that form consistent for the rest of the season and finishing strongly.”

The likes of goalkeeper Cammy Gill and Scotland under-19 star Lewis Martin are also highlyregarded at East End Park, while their under-20s squad is safely in mid-table – battling against Premiership outfits – in the SPFL Development League.

And Johnston has noted with pride SFA scouts flocking to Fife.

He added: “That is what we are striving for as a club and it is brilliant to see more of our players getting linked with call-ups at a few levels.

“That just shows how well they are doing, as teams and individuals, and that should just motivate you to work even harder.”

Hardie, who joined Rovers on loan from Rangers in January, has scored three times in nine appearances for the Kirkcaldy club.

Paul McMullan: call-up is just reward says club boss.