Five Rangers youngsters have been named in Scot Gemmill’s latest Scotland U21 squad [BBC Sport].
The youth national team are in European Championship qualifying action in September, first facing San Marino on home soil, before travelling to Croatia.
The players who could represent their country in one or both of those fixtures, are Robby McCrorie (on loan at Queen of the South), Kieran Wright, Ross McCrorie (on loan at Portsmouth), Stephen Kelly (on loan at Ayr) and Glenn Middleton (on loan at Hibs).
There’s also a call-up for former Gers prospect Billy Gilmour, who’s pushing for a place in Chelsea’s first team aged 18.
Five Rangers youngsters recognised
These call-ups reflect well on the work of the Rangers academy, from which all of these players, except Middleton, have emerged.
Furthermore, the three outfield players selected have all already represented the Gers first team to some degree. Kelly has just the one competitive appearance, but Middleton racked up close to 30 last season, while McCrorie can boast over 50 appearances.
It’s possible that all those selected could have real futures at Ibrox, and these September fixtures give them extra exposure and the opportunity to impress Gerrard and co.
McCrorie is currently in something of an unexpected position at Pompey, after a bizarre positional change. Meanwhile, Middleton kicked off his loan promisingly at the weekend and Stephen Kelly has already netted his first senior goal whilst at Ayr.
Best of luck to all five players ahead of next month’s fixtures.
