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Scotland Under-21 head coach Tony Docherty has expressed his delight with the positive attitude shown by three players who have dropped down from the senior national squad. Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, and Heart of Midlothian striker James Wilson have all been named in the new-look Under-21 squad for upcoming friendly matches against Ukraine and the United States in Spain.
Senior Experience Drives Squad Standards
The trio previously featured in Sebastian Pocogonoli’s first full Scotland squad and now join Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, who transitioned to Docherty’s group in September after participating with the World Cup squad. Docherty praised their introduction and highlighted their impact on the team.
According to BBC Sport, Docherty stated, “I’m really, really delighted with the introduction of the ones that have had that A squad experience and they’re really the drivers.” He added that these players form a leadership group that establishes standards, builds the team identity, and creates the right mentality.
Docherty explained that he maintained dialogue with Miller and Donovan to outline their developmental pathway. He noted that if players are not receiving immediate playing time with the senior team, joining the Under-21 setup provides a mirrored structure and vital competitive game time.
Addressing Individual Pathways and New Call-Ups
Miller transferred from Motherwell to Udinese last summer aiming to secure a permanent senior spot, but he currently competes in a position with significant depth. Docherty discussed a lengthy conversation with Miller, pointing to the recent success of Barney Stewart as a positive precedent of how performing well in the Under-21s can lead to club breakthroughs.
Docherty also highlighted Donovan’s eagerness to participate, stating that the defender actively expressed his desire to play and impress rather than viewing the Under-21 assignment as a step down.
In addition to the senior drops, St Mirren striker Eseosa Sule has received a call-up as Docherty prepares for a new European qualifying campaign. This preparation comes after 16 of the 27 players from his initial squad surpassed the age limit.
Meanwhile, Rangers youth forward Kyle Glasgow has moved to the Scotland Under-19 squad for three European qualifying fixtures. The 16-year-In-loan Alloa Athletic player joins his elder brother Euan Glasgow, who represents Edinburgh City on loan from Hearts.
Scotland Under-21 Squad Lineup
Goalkeepers: Sam Kane (Derby County), Rory Mahady (Leeds United), Aidan Rice (Dumbarton on loan from Celtic).
Defenders: Daniel Armer (Manchester United), Murray Campbell (Burnley), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Josh Dede (Middlesbrough), Mitchel Frame (Aberdeen), Dylan Smith (Ross County), Ethan Sutherland (Exeter City on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Tod (Dunfermline Athletic).
Midfielders: Calum Adamson (Raith Rovers on loan from Rangers), Aidan Borland (Accrington Stanley on loan from Aston Villa), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Calum McLeod (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Kyle Ure (Crewe Alexandra on loan from Celtic), Dylan Watret (Ayr United).
Forwards: Findlay Marshall (Aberdeen), Alfie Stewart (Inverness Caledonian Thistle on loan from Aberdeen), Eseosa Sule (St Mirren), Andrew Tod (Dunfermline Athletic), James Wilson (Heart of Midlothian).
