Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke revealed a primary call up for Elliot Anderson got here after “good discussions” with the Newcastle midfielder and his household.
The 20-year-old is within the squad for subsequent month’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Cyprus and a pleasant with England.
Born in Whitley Bay, he represented Scotland at youth stage, qualifying via his grandmother.
“He had a bit take into consideration selecting between Scotland and England,” stated Clarke.
“Elliot has been via the under-age teams with Scotland, he’s one we’ve got had an eye fixed on.
“We had some good discussions with the boy and his household and he has chosen to return with us, which is nice for us now and definitely good for us sooner or later.”
Anderson, used instead in Newcastle’s first three Premier League outings this season, briefly switched allegiances to England Under-19s in 2021, however returned for one Scotland Under-21 look final yr earlier than turning down additional calls at that stage.
“We have gotten some nice stories from folks inside the membership at Newcastle,” continued Clarke.
“We’ve had an ideal begin to the marketing campaign and in the event you can blood gamers in good moments it is most likely simpler than doing it tough moments.
“He’s chosen to remain with us and hopefully that seems to be an excellent resolution for Elliot and ourselves.”
Scotland are nicely positioned to achieve Euro 2024, sitting prime of Group A with most factors after 4 matches.
Cyprus have opened with three defeats, together with a 3-0 loss at Hampden in March.
Following the match in Larnaca on 8 September, Scotland host England 4 days later to commemorate the primary assembly between the nations in 1872.
Watched by 4,000 spectators, the 0-0 draw at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow, is formally recognised by Fifa as the primary worldwide match.
“A sport towards England takes care of itself,” stated Clarke. “We need to problem ourselves towards the highest nations, groups that get to the later phases of the main tournaments, however all of our focus is on Cyprus proper now.”
Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper is lacking via harm, whereas Celtic full-back Greg Taylor and Blackburn Rovers centre-half Dominic Hyam make means for the fit-again pair of Nathan Patterson and Scott McKenna.
Clarke stated his squad was “a bit prime heavy” with strikers whereas stressing that Liverpool teenager Ben Doak is in his ideas.
“Anybody who’s doing nicely for their membership, particularly at a membership like Liverpool, enjoying off the bench within the Premier League, they’re at all times going to be shut,” he stated. “I simply felt that on this event, it was the precise time to herald Elliot.
“Ben is aware of that we’re watching him, he is aware of that he’s a part of the longer term, however he has to proceed doing what he’s doing at his membership, and he has to proceed enjoying nicely. If he does that, I’m positive his flip will not be too far-off.”
Scotland squad:
Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn (Norwich), Liam Kelly (Motherwell), Zander Clark (Hearts)
Defenders: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Real Sociedad), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Ryan Porteous (Watford), John Souttar (Rangers), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Patterson (Everton)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Newcastle United), Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Brighton), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Ryan Jack (Rangers), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich)
Forwards: Che Adams (Southampton), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lyndon Dykes (QPR), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Kevin Nisbet (Millwall)
