Ricky Sbragia happy to lose Scotland U21 trio to senior squad
Tuesday 15 March 2016 16:00, UK
Scotland U21 head coach Ricky Sbragia is hopeful three of his charges can quickly cement their places in the senior squad.
Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has become a regular at his club this season and the 18-year-old, capped at U19 level, has been included in Gordon Strachan's squad for the home friendly against Denmark on March 29.
Sbragia is preparing for the forthcoming European U21 Championship qualifying matches against France and Northern Ireland, but is happy to see Tierney, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Oliver Burke. earn their chance with Strachan's side.
"We took Tierney to the Czech Republic with the U18s, he was involved in the two games," Sbragia said.
"He has, over the last three or four months, been thrown him into Celtic's first team. He would have been with us, the 21s, but for me I would love him not to play at 21s. I would love him to keep continuing to play in the A squad.
"I think that is what it's all about. We know the importance of results, I am not saying everything is always about development.
"But for Kieran, even Burkey - I watched him at Leeds three or four weeks ago and he did extremely well when he came on a substitute - what an opportunity to go and play at the top level of international football."
Scotland U21 captain John McGinn has also been drafted into the full squad for the Denmark match, but despite the importance of the game in France on March 24 - Scotland sit fourth in Group 3 with five points from four games - Sbragia did not consider requesting the Hibernian midfielder to bolster qualification chances.
Sbragia said: "People were saying, 'would you want him for France?' No, I wouldn't want him for France. I wouldn't deny him that opportunity, to be fully fit to report for the A squad.
"I think it is fantastic with John, how he has performed for Hibs over the season and what a fantastic opportunity it is. I am delighted for him, he is a lovely lad. He really deserves it. He has worked so hard to be there."
