News

Mix of experience and youth for Under-21s

Monday, 23 April 2012

Vauxhall Under-21 International Challenge Match

Scotland v Italy 

Wednesday 25 April 2012, kick-off 7 pm

Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh

Tickets available at the gate priced £5 (adult) and £2 (child)

Scotland under-21 national coach Billy Stark is aiming to field a mix of experience and youth in Wednesday’s match against Italy at Easter Road.

"I think you always have a wee idea about the core of the team,'' he said.
 

"The starting XI will be pretty experienced in terms of the under-21s.
 

“We can't take the Italians lightly - but we would hope to introduce one or two younger ones and certainly as the game goes on, get a good healthy proportion of
them on the pitch.''
 

Italy’s calibre is well known in the world of football, and Scotland captain Paul Hanlon is looking forward to testing himself against the Azzurri on his home ground.
 

The 22-year-old Hibernian defender, who has 18 under-21 caps, said: "We know it will be a tough game for us, we're just looking forward to comparing ourselves to the quality that they've got.

"It's a massive bonus for me playing at Easter Road. It will be a bit different having the Scotland jersey on and hopefully we get a good result.''
 

The current under-21 squad features three of the four nominees for Scotland's Young Player of the Year - St Mirren's Kenny McLean and Dundee United duo Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell.

Fans can also take advantage of our fantastic youth group offer for this match - five adult tickets and 20 kids' tickets for just £30. To book call 0844 844 1875 and select option 2.