Curtis shines as revamped Scotland youth set-up begins

What the report says

Scotland Under-21s marked the start of a revamped national youth coaching structure with an impressive 5-2 win over Azerbaijan at Rugby Park. BBC Sport reported that Rangers winger Findlay Curtis was central to the result, while Tyler Fletcher controlled midfield and three Scotland strikers scored in a match defined by attacking play and high pressing.

The game came amid wide-ranging changes across Scotland’s youth teams, led by the Scottish FA’s new chief football officer Craig Mulholland. Tony Docherty, assisted by Steven Naismith, has replaced Scot Gemmill as under-21 head coach, with the aim of creating a more aligned pathway into the senior side now coached by Sebastien Pocognoli. BBC Sport said the under-21s were set up in the same 3-4-2-1 shape used by the senior team, reflecting the new emphasis on mirroring tactics and principles through the age groups.

Curtis, Fletcher and James Wilson had all been with the senior camp earlier, but returned to the under-21 squad and, according to Docherty, responded well. Curtis was involved in all five goals, and former Falkirk striker Barney Stewart scored twice. Docherty said the team showed the identity, energy and counter-pressing he wanted.

Beyond the under-21s, the Scottish FA has appointed a broader new coaching group across age levels, including Tam Courts, Lee Wallace, David McCallum, Jonny Hayes and Rhys McCabe. BBC Sport said the long-term plan is to create a more streamlined development system and a “Scottish DNA” built on competitiveness, technical quality and clearer links to the senior team.