Five Hearts players in Scotland U21 squad for Euro tie against Ukraine
Tuesday 3 November 2015 06:25, UK
Five Hearts players are among eight from the capital named in the Scotland U21 squad to face Ukraine later this month.
Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton, who will be looking to win his seventh cap, is joined in the party for the European Qualifier at St Mirren on November 13 by Jordan McGhee, Callum Paterson, Billy King and Sam Nicholson.
And coach Ricky Sbragia has swelled the Edinburgh contingent in his squad with the inclusion of Jason Cummings, who scored the opener in Hibs' 2-1 victory over Rangers on Sunday, and Easter Road team-mates Liam Henderson (on loan from Celtic) and John McGinn.
And Sbragia, who has included senior squad regular Andrew Robertson in his 24-man party, will be 'assisted' by Scotland national coach Gordon Strachan as he runs the rule over a number of players who could be involved in the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, former Sunderland boss Sbragia joked: "Yes, he's my assistant... if I let him,
"No, we are delighted that Gordon is coming. He came to watch us against Iceland and we had a good chat in the dressing room before the game and it's great that he is there as it's a massive chance for the players to impress him."
On Hull full-back Robertson's inclusion, Sbragia added: "I spoke to Gordon and I spoke to Andy and he was really pleased to be called up into the squad.
"It's a massive bonus to us but credit to the player who had no second thoughts about it as he wants to help us."
Scotland currently lie fourth in qualifying Group Three with a win, a draw and a defeat from their opening three matches while Ukraine prop up the standings having failed to take a point from any of their three games.
Scotland U21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Ryan Fulton (Liverpool), Jack Hamilton (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Stuart Findlay (Celtic, on loan to Kilmarnock), Marcus Fraser (Ross Co), Dominic Hyam (Reading), Donald Love (Man Utd, on loan to Wigan), Callum McFadzean (Sheff Utd), Jordan McGhee (Hearts), Callum Paterson (Hearts), Andrew Robertson (Hull)
Midfielders: Jay Fulton (Swansea, on loan to Oldham), Liam Henderson (Celtic, on loan to Hibs), John McGinn (Hibs), Craig Slater (Kilmarnock), John Souttar (Dundee United)
Forwards: Ryan Christie (Celtic, on loan to Inverness CT), Jason Cummings (Hibs) Billy King (Hearts), Stephen Mallan (St Mirren), Oliver McBurnie (Swansea), Barrie McKay (Rangers), Sam Nicholson (Hearts), Lawrence Shankland (Aberdeen, on loan to St Mirren).
