Two Celtic first-team players, Stephen Welsh and Adam Montgomery, have again been called up by the Scotland U21 team [SFA].
Manager Scot Gemmill made Welsh captain in a game against Turkey, while Montgomery provided an assist on the night. Both lads impressed the supporters, and clearly Gemmill has been encouraged by the development of both players.
Both Welsh and Montgomery have had a decent amount of game-time so far this season. Welsh has played 342 minutes, putting him 7th in the squad as a whole [WhoScored?].
Montgomery, meanwhile, started against Real Betis, and has come off the bench at various points this season. With senior Scotland international Greg Taylor set to miss out until November, the Academy talent is well-placed for more appearances.
In the 1-1 draw with Turkey, both Bhoys were more than creditable. It’s no surprise, then, that Gemmill has featured the duo to face Denmark at Tynecastle next month [SFA].
The pair join some considerable young talents in the Scotland squad. Aaron Hickey and Harrison Ashby, both tentatively linked to Celtic in the summer, make the U21 select.
Scotland recognition for Celtic youth stars Welsh and Montgomery can only help
Realistically, we can’t be worlds away from talking about Welsh or Montgomery in the context of the Scotland first team.
Scotland aren’t exactly blessed with central defensive talent. If Welsh can have a solid season, and work on his game under Ange Postecoglou, a call-up can’t be that far away.
Meanwhile, Montgomery faces plenty of competition on the left. But he also offers an attacking threat that could compliment someone like Andy Robertson or Kieran Tierney.
Around the U21 squad, there are some really promising players. That, of course, bodes well for the future. And despite losing some big prospects over the last couple of seasons, the Bhoys remain at the heart of the next generation of the Scotland team.
Whether we’ll see Scott Robertson, Dane Murray or more in the months to come is unclear. However, based on their current trajectory, it’s hard to argue against it happening eventually.
In other news: PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino’s glowing review for new Celtic man McElhone
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