Unleashing their Potential: Scotland U21s aim to duplicate their performance against Hungary

UEFA Euro U-21 Qualification Group Stage

Scotland U-21 v Malta U-21

Tuesday 17^th October 2023

Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell

5:30 pm kick-off

Scot Gemmill’s U21 side will be looking to feed off the excitement of the Men’s team securing EURO 2024 qualification tomorrow as they host Malta U21 at Motherwell’s Fir Park.

The young side will look to duplicate their quick start against Hungary, where the three Scotland goals were scored within the first half hour.

Team News

Max Johnston has been called up to join the senior squad, following his previous strong performance against Hungary. Unfortunately, Ben Doak and Dire Mebude will both miss Tuesday’s home game due to injury. Steven Bradley and Rory Wilson will make the step up to the U21 squad, with Wilson aiming to make an impression after scoring for the U19s against Portugal on Sunday.

Head coach Scot Gemmill said: “It’s a big test for the new players to come in and be trusted. Rory [Wilson] joined up with the squad last night as he was away with the U19s.”

Pre-match

Head coach Scot Gemmill took charge of the U21 squad in 2016, having previously led Scotland to three successive European U17 Championship finals.

Gemmill sat down with us ahead of the home tie tomorrow evening.

Nine players in the current senior squad have progressed through you with Under-21s. How satisfying is that? 

“It’s very kind of you to say that but I don’t feel satisfied.

“It’s down to Steve and his staff but I feel excitement that players are being given that opportunity.

“I wouldn’t use the word satisfaction because I love my job and I know how lucky I am to work with these players and the previous set of players.

“It’s brilliant to see, and I had the privilege to tell Max [Johnson] that he was going up to the seniors.”

The carrot is now Germany next summer, will you highlight that to your players? 

“Definitely. It’s massive and it’s achievable.

“It will be difficult because the current players are doing well but you just never know.

“We will 100% be referencing it and using it, as it’s incredible that we can do that for a second time in a few years.” 

On building momentum with 21s…

“It’s about the performance. I felt the performance in Spain was strong and I felt the performance against Hungary was strong again.

“I always start with the performance and Hungary is a really good team, but we didn’t allow them to play.

“The players carried out the details well and lots of people were silly enough to think Hungary weren’t a good team.

“The objective is about getting the level of performance up regardless of the opponent.”

How to Watch

The match will be streamed live on the Scotland National Team YouTube channel.