Scotland: Uncapped Lennon Miller, James Wilson in as Lewis Ferguson returns for Nations League play-off against Greece
Head coach Steve Clarke has also recalled Kieran Tierney and Kevin Nisbet for the Nations League play-offs against Greece; English-born Ipswich striker George Hirst handed late call-up after paperwork delay; Scotland are away on Thursday with second-leg at Hampden Park on Sunday
Monday 17 March 2025 09:41, UK
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has named uncapped 18-year-olds Lennon Miller and James Wilson in his squad for this month's Nations League play-off against Greece.
Hearts striker Wilson had previously made just one appearance for the under-19s, and has scored five goals in 17 Scottish Premiership appearances this season.
The high school student told Sky Sports News in January he would "love to play for Scotland" - now he has a chance to become the first forward to score for the national side since June 2024.
- Scotland's fixtures | Download the Sky Sports App
- Miller and Wilson react to first senior call-up
- Nations League 2024/25 fixtures
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺
Miller has made over 65 appearances for Motherwell since breaking into the first-team and stepped up to captain the side, including in their League Cup semi-final against Rangers.
The midfielder - who was Motherwell's youngest-ever player and goalscorer - was the subject of failed bids from European clubs in the summer transfer window and has also caught the eye of Clarke.
Clarke said: "Obviously a lot of injuries, especially in middle to forward areas, I just felt it was a chance to have a look at two young boys who have caught the eye, Lennon certainly over the last 18 months and James over the last six months. Two for the future, but also can help us just now.
"I've obviously had more chance to watch Lennon. He plays with maturity beyond his years. He captains his club, which is a big thing at such a young age. Good qualities, can play deep in midfield, can play higher in midfield. Good delivery, box to box, good energy.
"I'm sure he's got a big, big future in front of him. It's our job to look after him and try and bring him along. Hopefully this will be the start of it.
"It's similar with James. He's someone who catches your eye, runs behind, looks to score goals, which is a great trait. We're always looking for goalscorers. He's got a few in the Premiership this year.
"I actually brought him into one of the camps last year. We were short a couple of bodies and brought a couple of young boys into the camp. James was one of them and he caught our eye just in a short training session.
"He's playing week in, week out. He's got good pace about him, good enthusiasm. Another one that I think can have a big future, but for now is to come into the squad and see how he measures up."
Another new face in the camp is Ipswich's George Hirst who was handed a late call-up for the first time.
The striker, who has represented England up to U20 level, is eligible through his grandfather. He would have been named in Clarke's original squad on Tuesday but a paperwork delay meant his call-up came later in the week.
"George is somebody we've had in mind for a few months," said Clarke. "I've watched him recently."
Familiar faces back for Scotland
Lewis Ferguson returns to the squad for the first time in a year following an ACL injury that forced him to miss the Euros. The Bologna captain's last Scotland appearance came in a defeat to Northern Ireland last March.
Ferguson, 25, has 12 caps and has been a regular with the Serie A side since recovering from his injury.
Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney - who last played at the Euros where he suffered a hamstring injury - is also back having returned to action at Arsenal, replacing Greg Taylor, who has fallen down the pecking order at Parkhead.
- Free-to-watch Scottish Premiership highlights
- Download the Sky Sports App
- Choose the sports notifications you want! 🔔
Kevin Nisbet returns too and could earn his first cap since a second-half substitute appearance against Georgia in June 2023. The Aberdeen striker - who was named in the October Nations League squad - has scored five goals in his last six games for the Dons.
Elsewhere, Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly and uncapped Max Johnston of Sturm Graz are back in the squad, with the likes of Robby McCrorie, Ryan Gauld, Lewis Morgan, Connor Barron, Lawrence Shankland plus injured duo Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes out.
Victory over Greece will keep Scotland in League A of the Nations League, whereas defeat would see them drop down a division.
Scotland squad in full
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Cieran Slicker (Ipswich Town).
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Birmingham City), Jack Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Preston North End), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Motherwell), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli).
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesborough), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen), James Wilson (Heart of Midlothian).
