Scotland Under-21 head coach Tony Docherty has welcomed the commitment of Colby Donovan, Lennon Miller and James Wilson after the three players moved from the senior squad into his group for this month’s friendlies against Ukraine and the United States in Spain.
Donovan, a Celtic right-back, Udinese midfielder Miller and Heart of Midlothian striker Wilson were all part of Sebastian Pocognoli’s first full Scotland squad. Docherty said players with senior-team experience could help establish the Under-21s’ standards and identity.
The coach said he had spoken with Donovan and Miller about their pathway and the value of getting playing time with the Under-21s if they were not set to feature for the senior side. He described Donovan as eager to play and impress, and said the player had agreed to the move after discussions with the coaching staff.
Docherty also pointed to Barney Stewart’s previous Under-21 experience as an example of how time with the team can benefit a player. Stewart scored three goals during a camp and later returned to West Brom, where he joined the first team and scored twice, according to Docherty.
St Mirren striker Eseosa Sule has also been called up as the Under-21s prepare for a new European qualifying campaign. Sixteen of the 27 players from Docherty’s first squad are now over the age limit.
The Under-21 squad also includes Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, who joined the group in September after going to the World Cup. Rangers youth forward Kyle Glasgow, 16, has instead been selected for Scotland’s Under-19s for three European qualifying matches. He is on loan at Alloa Athletic and will join his older brother Euan, who is on loan at Edinburgh City from Hearts.
Sources: BBC Sport Football.