One of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher’s sons has been named in the Scotland Under-21 squad for the first time
Scot Gemmill admits handing Manchester United starlet Tyler Fletcher - son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher - his first call-up to the Under-21 squad was a no-brainer.
But Gemmill was less optimistic about the chances of convincing his twin brother Jack to switch international allegiance from England in the near future.
18-year-old midfield prospect Tyler has been selected for the young Scots latest European Championship qualifiers against Czech Republic and Portugal - just a few weeks on from making his first-team debut for the Red Devils as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester-born Fletcher, who represented the Three Lions at Under-16 level but has since turned out for Scotland at under-17 and Under-19 level, has featured on the United bench a further nine times since the turn of the year.
Rated highly by the senior coaching staff at Old Trafford, Fletcher will now look to make his mark on Gemmill’s squad after making another step up the age groups to the 21s set-up for the first time.
Jack - also a midfielder with United - has gone in the opposite direction after briefly playing for Scotland at under-16 level before deciding to represent England’s youth teams.
The brothers came up against each other last November during an Under-19 Euro qualifier - a game England ran out 4-0 winners in. They both signed for United from direct rivals Manchester City for a reported combined fee of £1.25m in July 2023.
Asked how pleasing it was to be able to call on a youngster who has just broken into an English Premier League squad, Gemmill stated: “Absolutely. I think it’s a really good measure of how well he is doing to obviously be progressing at such a big club where the competition for places is so great.
Jack Fletcher is on the Manchester United bench vs Tottenham Hotspurplaceholder image
Jack Fletcher is on the Manchester United bench vs Tottenham Hotspur | Manchester United via Getty Images
“That really is a measure of the confidence we can have in him right now. I think he’s put himself in a really good position and it’s great to be able to recognise his progress and include him in the squad.”
As for the possibility of holding future talks to try and lure his brother Jack to represent the dark blue jersey again, Gemmill admitted: “I can’t speak for him. Last time I spoke to Darren, we did briefly have the conversation but I think it’s clear that Jack is currently playing for England and doing well.
“Of course we would have to adjust if the opportunity arose because he’s another very good player, but there hasn’t been any recent conversations.”
Scotland take on Group B table-toppers Czech Republic at Dens Park on Friday, 27 March before travelling to Estoril four days later. They currently occupy third spot in the six-team table on 10 points, having played a game more than their upcoming opponents.
Scotland Under-21 squad to face Czechia & Portugal in full
GOALKEEPERS
Ruairidh Adams (Dundee United - on loan to East Fife), Liam McFarlane (Hearts - on loan to Alloa Athletic), Woody Williamson (Ipswich Town)
DEFENDERS
Connor Allan (Falkirk), Matthew Anderson (KV Kortrijk), Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen (Dunfermline), Luke Graham (Dundee), Sam Cleall-Harding (Dundee United), Dylan Lobban (Aberdeen), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Mitchel Frame (Aberdeen)
MIDFIELDERS
Cameron Bragg (Southampton), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), Kristi Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers), Kyle Ure (Ayr United), David Watson (Kilmarnock), Andrew Tod (Dunfermline)
FORWARDS
Emilio Lawrence (Manchester City - on loan to Luton Town), Dire Mebude (Caykur Rizespor), Barney Stewart (Falkirk), Ryan One (Sheffield United - on loan to Lincoln City), James Wilson (Tottenham Hotspur), Robbie Ure (IK Sirius)
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