Hearts star exits Scotland squad as he forms part of new national team approach
Jambos star is heading to familiar surroundings
Hearts forward James Wilson has left the Scotland camp to join the nation’s U21s as part of a new national team approach.
The twice capped 19-year old regained his place in the first team squad under new gaffer Sebastian Pocognoli and has been introduced to the Belgian at their training camp in La Manga Spain. However, he will now instead join Tony Docherty’s U21s, alongside Rangers winger Findlay Curtis.
While the duo have been borrowed for the young Scots’ first fixture at Rugby Park against Azerbaijan on Wednesday night, it’s important to note that both remain part of Pocognoli’s plans and could still feature in the upcoming batch of UEFA Nations League fixtures. As both the National Team and U21s enter a new managerial era, the new look Scotland set-up is designed to allow players to move freely between levels.
Why has Wilson been borrowed by the Under-21s?
Wilson - who has bagged five goals for the Jambos so far this season - is no stranger to the U21s and has already been part of multiple squads for their European Championship qualifying campaign. It’s believed that he and Curtis weren’t expected to start in Scotland’s Nations League opener in Slovenia this Saturday and that they’ll accrue more game time with Docherty’s youngsters.
Hearts winger Josh McPake remains part of the senior squad, who will return to Glasgow to face Switzerland on Tuesday night. Wilson could then be drafted back in for their remaining two fixtures of the break - against North Macedonia away on October 3 and Slovenia again at home on October 6. If not, he’ll travel to Bulgaria with the U21s on October 6 for their final qualification match.
Qualification is still possible for Docherty’s side, however other results would have to go their way. They currently sit third place in Group B with 11 points in eight matches. The Scots can’t catch Portugal in first-place, but can still pip Czechia to the second place, which would see them into the play-offs. The Czechs currently occupy the runner-up spot with 14 points in seven games.
What has Pocognoli said about squad debutants?
McPake is one of six players in Pocognoli’s squad called up for the first time, however the new gaffer insists he’s isn’t just picking youngsters for the sake of it. After the squad announcement last week, Pocognoli said: “We have a good mix of experienced players and new faces.
“To be clear I want to do this (pick young players) but I will never do it just because I want to try things. I did it because the players selected are performing well. There are young lads but they need experienced players. We still have a lot of leaders and players who know how to win games.”
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