Scotland vie with Belgium for U21s runners-up spot

Scotland’s bid to reach an Under-21 European Championship for the first time in 28 years hinges on a closing double-header at home to Belgium and away to Kazakhstan.

Spain have already secured top spot in Group B, with Scot Gemmill’s side sitting second, ahead of the Belgians on goal difference.

Beating Belgium at Tynecastle on Friday would guarantee a place in the play-offs for next summer’s tournament in Slovakia – as would avoiding defeat in Edinburgh along with victory over Kazakhstan in Almaty next Tuesday.

Two wins could even be enough for automatic qualification as one of the three best-placed group runners-up.

Belgium, who lost 2-0 at home to Scotland last November, host Hungary in their final game.

With five wins so far, Scotland’s only defeats in the campaign have been to Spain, while there was a goalless draw away to Hungary.

Scotland last reached the tournament finals in 1996, going on to reach the semi-finals.

Scotland are without top scorer Kieron Bowie, the Hibernian forward missing out through injury along with two centre-backs – Portsmouth’s Ibane Bowat and Liam Morrison of Queens Park Rangers – and first-choice goalkeeper Cieran Slicker of Ipswich Town.

Celtic’s Matthew Anderson, who is currently on loan at Admira Wacker in Austria, has also since withdrawn and been replaced with Rangers full-back Robbie Fraser.

Meanwhile, Ben Doak, the Liverpool winger on loan to Middlesbrough, is with the senior squad this time.

However, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig have returned to the under-21 squad having featured in the senior squad last time out.

Sheffield United striker Ryan One has been promoted from the under-19s for the first time, while Stockport County midfielder Lewis Fiorini has returned after missing two camps.

“We have lots of quality in this squad and hopefully we can play well and secure the result we need which will help us qualify,” said 18-year-old One.

“The standard in training has been really good but that’s what you’d expect with so many of these players playing first-team football. I’ve just tried to keep up with it but I think I’ve done well.”

Scotland U21 squad

Goalkeepers: Lewis Budinaukas (Rangers), Murray Johnson (Hibernian (on loan to Airdrieonians), Jack Newman (Dundee United, on loan to Inverness Caledonian Thistle).

Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassuolo Calcio), Robbie Fraser, (Rangers), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Leon King (Rangers), Jack Milne (Aberdeen), Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen (Leeds United), Dane Murray (Celtic, on loan to Queen’s Park), Lewis Neilson (Heart of Midlothian, on loan to St Johnstone), Calvin Ramsay (Liverpool, on loan to Wigan Athletic), Ewan Wilson (Motherwell).

Midfielders: Robert Apter (Blackpool), Connor Barron (Rangers), Lyall Cameron (Dundee), Lewis Fiorini (Stockport County), Daniel Kelly (Millwall), Lennon Miller (Motherwell), Josh Mulligan (Dundee), Miller Thomson (Dundee United), David Watson (Kilmarnock).

Forwards: Adedire Mebude (Westerlo), Bobby Wales (Kilmarnock), Ryan One (Sheffield United).