International Round Up

Find out below how the boys in maroon have fared when they pulled on their national team jerseys…

Craig Gordon

The term ‘superlatives’ will be retired before Craig does, such is his propensity to produce displays worthy of such a moniker.

A virtual spectator in Scotland’s 3-0 Nations League win over Ukraine last week, the Jambos’ skipper was called into action on Saturday night against Republic of Ireland, and unsurprisingly he didn’t disappoint, pulling off a number of big saves to help Steve Clarke’s side to a crucial 2-1 Hampden win.

Up next is a trip to Poland to face Ukraine again, knowing that if they can avoid defeat then they will top their group and secure a play-off spot for Euro 2024. If Craig plays, he wins his 73rd cap and moves up to sixth place in the all-time Scotland appearances list.

Joining Craig on that flight is…

Stephen Kingsley and Barrie McKay

Yes, the time has come. Standouts ever since they first pulled on the maroon jersey, Stephen and Barrie last night received call ups into the Scotland squad.

Fun fact: Both have one cap to their name and they won them in the same game back in 2016, in a friendly defeat to France.

Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson

Everyone’s favourite Aussies made the long journey Down Under last week for a friendly double-header against New Zealand.

Nathaniel made a 70th minute substitute appearance in the first game, a 1-0 win in Brisbane.

Fast forward three days and Nathaniel was handed a starting place in Auckland, playing 63 minutes for his fifth Australia cap.

It was on 63 minutes that Cammy fulfilled a lifelong dream and made his first senior appearance for the Socceroos, who ran out 2-0 winners.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the duo – along with Kye Rowles – will be hoping to be included in manager Graham Arnold’s finals squad.

Connor Smith and Lewis Neilson

A bittersweet moment for Lewis, who won his first Scotland U21 cap against Northern Ireland in a friendly last week, but was forced off with injury. The good news for Hearts fans is it was just a precaution, and it’s hoped he’ll be back training with the first team this week.

That match ended in a 3-1 victory for the young Scots, with Connor Smith also starting.

He repeated that feat yesterday with the return fixture in Paisley, starting the game as it finished 1-1.

Finlay Pollock and Liam McFarlane

The young Jambos duo joined Scotland U19s for a training camp in Slovenia.

Finlay made an 85th substitute appearance in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Croatia, before he and Liam were handed starts in a 3-1 win over Malta.

They have one more game to play, against USA on Tuesday.

Makenzie Kirk

Called up to Northern Ireland U19s, Makenzie started in a brace of draws – 2-2 with Slovenia and 0-0 versus Netherlands.

They play Moldova on Tuesday knowing that a victory, coupled with wins for Netherlands or Slovenia, would see them clinch second place in their UEFA U19s Championship Qualifying group and with it, qualification for next spring’s Elite Round qualifiers.