Gemmill sure players will be motivated despite Ukraine war
lucky we have a lot of players we can select from.”
Connor Barron has been rewarded for his positive impact at Aberdeen, joining team-mate Calvin Ramsay. Similarly, Josh Campbell has won a place due to his displays at Hibs and will accompany Josh Doig.
There is also a place in the squad for Hearts midfielder Connor Smith who has been one of Queen’s Park’s key performers in League One and Ross Graham who has won a place in the Dundee United starting XI after a difficult loan spell at Dunfermline Athletic.
Scotland are third in Group I with four points, five behind Denmark and 14 behind leaders Belgium who have won all six of their fixtures.
The next two games will take place against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and asked about his appetite for football during such a perilous time, Gemmill said: "The whole world has been shocked by what's going on.
"But at the same time the
competitions and games are still going ahead, so we have to try to focus on that and do our jobs. Obviously this is exceptional circumstances but the players are coming to play for their country, they are all motivated and I am sure the attitude of the players will be good."
After facing Turkey, the young Scots will have to take a long detour to Kazakhstan.
Gemmill said: "I understand the flight path has changed to get to Kazakhstan and obviously we are not allowed to fly over Russian airspace but Uefa has confirmed the game will go ahead.”
On the games themselves, Gemmill added: "We are trying to be as competitive as we can but I say it all the time, a big part of this team is the development of the players.” SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ceiran Slicker (Manchester City), Nicky Hogarth (Nottingham Forest) Defenders: Calvin Ramsey (Aberdeen), Harrison Ashby (West Ham United), Tom Clayton (Liverpool), Josh Doig (Hibs), Lewis Mayo (Partick Thistle, on loan from Rangers), Stephen Welsh (Celtic), Ross Graham (Dundee United). Midfielders: Josh Campbell (Hibs), Jay Henderson (St Mirren), Connor Barron (Aberdeen), Jack Burroughs (Ross County, on loan from Coventry City), Elliot Anderson (Bristol Rovers, on loan from Newcastle), Lewis Fiorini (Lincoln City, on loan from Man City), Scott High (Huddersfield), Ben Williamson (Raith Rovers, on loan from Rangers), Marc Leonard (Brighton), Connor Smith (Queen’s Park, on loan from Hearts). Forwards: Scott Banks (Crystal Palace), Zak Rudden (Partick Thistle), Glenn Middleton (St Johnstone, on loan from Rangers).