Scotland U21 boss hails Donovan, Miller and Wilson attitude

What the report says

Scotland Under-21 head coach Tony Docherty has praised the attitude of Colby Donovan, Lennon Miller and James Wilson after the trio stepped down from the senior squad for this month’s friendlies against Ukraine and the United States in Spain. The BBC Sport report says all three had been involved with Sebastian Pocognoli’s senior group and have now been added to a refreshed Under-21 squad as Docherty begins a new qualifying campaign.

Docherty said the players with senior experience are helping set standards in camp and can act as a leadership group for the younger side. He also described having individual conversations with Miller and Donovan about their roles and pathway, stressing that the move is designed to provide match minutes if they are not selected for the senior team.

Miller, who joined Udinese from Motherwell last summer, had been hoping to force his way into the senior setup, while Docherty said Donovan is keen to play regularly and impress. The squad also includes Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher, who joined after World Cup involvement, and St Mirren striker Eseosa Sule, who has been called up as Docherty refreshes his group after many players aged out.

The report notes that 16 of Docherty’s 27 players from his first squad are now beyond the age level, underlining the turnover facing Scotland at youth level. In general, under-21 sides often serve as a bridge between academy football and the senior international team, giving emerging players competitive experience and a clearer route upward.