Scotland Under-21 coach Scot Gemmill urges players to relish opportunity to play against top sides

Scotland Under-21 head coach Scot Gemmill has told his players to relish the opportunity to play against some of the best young players in Europe.

Gemmill’s side face an away double header against the top two sides in Group I of the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, Belgium and Denmark.

Scotland have five points from six matches and the games will serve as a development opportunity.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Belgium in Sint-Truiden, Gemmill said: “They are brilliant games.

“I have spoken to the players about the opportunities they have. They are all at slightly different stages, playing for different clubs, some of them are trying to get new contracts, some of them are trying to show they can play at this level.

“These are the games you want to be involved in: best v best. It really does, not only let the clubs know, it lets the players know and it also lets us know exactly where they are.

“It’s a really great opportunity to play against some of the best young players in Europe. If you look at the Belgium squad and the Denmark squad, they really are playing at impressive levels.

“It’s a great opportunity and a great challenge and we need to make sure we are ready.”

Gemmill could hand under-21 debuts to six players – Rangers pair Alex Lowry and Leon King, Dundee United’s Archie Meekison and Kieron Freeman and Dundee pair Josh Mulligan and Harrison Sharp.

Gemmill said: “This is a step up from club football and they have to show they have different aspects: technically, physically, mentally, and that game intelligence.

“Tactics are big and it’s not just about them – they have to show they are willing to do the work for the team. So it all goes into the pot and there is nowhere to hide.”