Hearts defender John Souttar named in Scotland Under-21 squad

Hearts centre-back John Souttar is included in the Scotland Under-21 squad despite being touted for a call-up to the senior side.

Hearts defender John Souttar is an important member of the Scotland Under-21 side

National Under-21 coach Scot Gemmill has named a 23-man squad to face Andorra in a European Championship qualifier later this month.

Souttar is included alongside his Tynecastle colleague Liam Smith, currently on loan at St Mirren, and former Hearts striker Robbie Muirhead.

A series of consistent displays in central defence this season had seen Souttar tipped for a place in the full Scotland squad by new manager Alex McLeish.

However, he remains a key part of the Gemmill's Under-21 side and could don the captain's armband for the match in the Andorran capital Andorra la Vella.

Hearts are also celebrating Marcus Godinho's first call-up to Canada's full squad after just two senior appearances in maroon. The 20-year-old is named in coach John Herdman’s squad for the forthcoming friendly against New Zealand.