Scotland v Northern Ireland
Sunday, 25 September (2pm kick-off)
The SMiSA Stadium, Paisley

After four successive away matches, Scotland Under-21s are back in front of a home crowd for the first time since March, as Scot Gemmill’s side host Northern Ireland in a friendly at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley on Sunday.

The young Scots will be looking to build on the impressive 3-1 victory in Belfast in their first preparation match on Thursday.

Kieron Bowie, Ben Doak and Josh Mulligan were on target, while nine players – including promising 16-year-old Doak – were given their first taste of international football at Under-21 level.

Team News 

After wearing the captain's armband on Thursday, Josh Doig was rewarded with a call-up to Steve Clarke's senior team as the Hellas Verona defender became the latest on the list of players who have been promoted from Gemmill's Under-21 team into the full international squad.

Kieron Bowie and Lewis Neilson have also left the camp, while Cole McKinnon has failed to recover from an illness that meant he did not travel to Northern Ireland.

Joining up with the squad are midfielders Jay Henderson and Archie Meekison - part of the group in the June qualifiers - while Ibane Bowat and Josh Reid win their maiden Under-21 call-ups. 

Pre-match thoughts

After making his debut on Thursday, 16-year-old Rory Wilson reflected on his first call-up to the Under-21 squad. 

He said: "It was just a bit of a shock when the call up came to be honest – I didn’t expect it. I told my dad and my mum and they were delighted.

"It was a proud moment for me and my family. I was out in Spain with the Under-18s when I heard and I couldn’t believe it. I was buzzing and so was Brian McLaughlin my Under-18s head coach.

"My family will be watching on Sunday and they’ll be proud if I play a part for sure. 

"All the boys have been brilliant with me so it’s been quite easy to settle in. I don’t know a lot of the boys apart from Ben Doak so it’s been good to see new faces and make some new friends.

"The more experienced guys have been great, you’re learning wee things off them every day.

"It’s been a big jump in the training but it’s been a good standard and it’s brilliant to train at that level every day."

You can read the full interview with the young Aston Villa striker in the matchday programme. 

Tickets

Fans looking to support the young Scots can purchase tickets from the stadium ticket office or online, with e-tickets available right up until kick off. 

Adults: £8

Kids/Seniors: £3

Meanwhile, SSC members can show their membership card at the St Mirren FC Ticket Office to receive a free match ticket. This can be done during the Ticket Office’s normal opening hours and the office is open until kick-off on matchday.

Where to watch 

The match will see broadcast live on the BBC Sport Scotland website, with a 2pm kick off in Paisley. 

Scotland Under-21 Squad

Ibane Bowat Fulham
Flynn Clarke Norwich City 
Tommy Conway Bristol City
Matthew Craig Tottenham Hotspur
Michael Craig Reading
Lucas De Bolle Hamilton Academical (on loan from Newcastle United)
Adam Devine Rangers 
Ben Doak Liverpool
Jay Henderson* St Mirren
Jay Hogarth Alloa Athletic (on loan from Rangers)
Leon King Rangers
Sam Long Boston United (on loan from Lincoln City)
Connor McAvoy Fulham
Archie Meekison* Dundee United
Chris Mochrie* Dunfermline Athletic (on loan from Dundee United)
Adam Montgomery St Johnstone (on loan from Celtic)
Josh Mulligan Dundee
Josh Reid Coventry
Cieran Slicker Rochdale (on loan from Manchester City)
Connor Smith* Heart of Midlothian
Rory Wilson* Aston Villa

*Denotes Scottish FA JD Performance School graduate