Scot Gemmill says the last-minute drama that sent Scotland Under-17s to this summer’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Bulgaria 'couldn't have been more dramatic'.

Despite losing 1-0 to Czech Republic in their final elite round match, Scotland still qualified for the 16-team tournament as one of seven best runners-up.
 
An injury time winner in the group’s other match earned a 2-1 victory for Bosnia-Herzegovina which was enough to secure second spot for Gemmill’s side and a place in the final tournament in May.

Scotland have qualified for the under-17 finals twice before – in 2008 and in 2014 – and this is the first time they have achieved back-to-back appearances following last year’s excellent run to the semi-finals of the competition.
 
Gemmill said: “It couldn’t have been more dramatic. We sent a member of staff to the other game who was in direct contact with someone at our match.
 
“Our match had just finished and the last I heard it was 1-1 in the game with three minutes to go. At that point we thought it was going to go right to the wire and could have gone down to goal difference or even disciplinary records - that’s how close it was.
 
“Suddenly word came through that Bosnia-Herzegovina had scored. Our players started to celebrate a little bit but reservedly, as they knew the game hadn’t finished and even when it did, we still weren’t 100% sure.
 
“We were trying very hard to get it confirmed by UEFA and they responded within around 20 minutes to confirm we had qualified.
 
“We went for a walk last night and it was good to speak to them with complete knowledge that we had qualified. You could tell they were absolutely delighted and they deserve all the credit for what they achieved.”

Now Gemmill’s attention turns to the preparing for the tournament, which begins on 4 May.
 
The draw for the group stage will be made on Thursday, 2 April and there is an added incentive to succeed with the competition acting as a qualifying round for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup being held in Chile later in the year.
 
Gemmill added: “Their development will continue, regardless of how well they do at the finals. I felt that about the elite round too. They are going home better players – both on and off the pitch.”
 
“Everyone is looking forward to taking part in the tournament and we are aiming to go as far as we can.”