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Rangers loan star Middleton scores in Scotland U21s victory

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Scotland U21s got their European Championship qualifying double-header off to a solid start on Thursday evening, with a 2-0 victory over San Marino at St Mirren Park.

There were three Gers named in the starting line-up and another as a sub.

Ross McCrorie, currently on loan at Portsmouth, captained the side. Between the sticks, stood his brother Robby, who is currently gaining experience with Queen of the South.

McCrorie has recently forced his way back into Pompey’s midfield. (Photo by Steven Hadlow/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Glenn Middleton, who is temporarily turning out for Hibs, was named in attack, while Kieran Wright provided goalkeeper back up from the bench.

There was no place for Stephen Kelly in the matchday squad despite him being called up. Given the high calibre of his performances recently, we can only assume his absence was down to injury or rotation.

It was Middleton, who has started the season promisingly with Hibs, who made the biggest contribution of the young Gers on the night.

Rangers loan star Middleton scores in win

Middleton joined Hibs in the search for game time. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

After coming close to notching the first goal which eventually went down as an OG, it was he who scored the second and ultimately made the points secure.

It was a case of right place of right time as after the San Marino keeper parried away a shot, the centrally placed Middleton was on hand to stab home the rebound from six yards out.

He was later substituted with 20 minutes remaining, presumably in a bid to keep him fresh.

While largely unchallenged throughout, Robby McCrorie will have been pleased to notch a clean sheet, too.

Next up for the U21s is a sterner test away to Croatia on Tuesday night.