Turkey U21 v Scotland U21
International Friendly
Monday, 3 June – (kick off 6pm UK time)
Kasımpaşa Stadium, Istanbul

Scotland Men's under-21s return to action on Monday night for the first time since their 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan in March.

Scot Gemmill's young side currently sit second in their qualification group, with crucial matches in September and October set to determine whether Scotland can qualify for next summer's European Championships in Slovakia next summer.

Before those games, Scotland will face Turkiye and Austria this week in two friendly matches. 

Team News

Scotland have a number of regular players missing from this camp and Gemmill will use these games to have a look at some of the less experienced players. 

Lewis Neilson, Kieron Bowie, Ibane Bowat, Josh Doig are all absent from the group, while forward Ben Doak has been called up to the Men's A provisional squad ahead of UEFA EURO 2024.

Leon King will not feature in the first game but he will join up with the group ahead of Friday's game against Austria.

The absences bring opportunity and Lennon Miller, David Watson, Robert Apter and Jack Milne will all be hoping to win their first caps over the course of the next week.

There is also a boost with defender Connor McAvoy back in with the group for the first time since November 2022 after recovering from injury.

Pre-match Thoughts 

One of those hoping to make his debut is Jack Milne. The Aberdeen defender has been called up to a Scotland squad for the first time at any age group.

He spoke to us ahead of Monday's match. 

Jack, you were a late call up this week and you could make your debut against Turkey. Was it a surprise to get the call?

It was probably a bit of a shock because I'd never been called up before at any level but I was delighted. My coach at Aberdeen phoned me and just told me straight that I'd been called up by the Under-21s. I went through and told my mum and she was buzzing as well. It's something I've always had on my radar, wanting to be involved with Scotland, no matter what age group it is. There's been a few boys that I'm close with that have been in the international set-up since they were 16 or 17 years old and I've never been included so I maybe thought that it was out of my reach but I'm delighted now.

Just looking at your journey at Aberdeen, you started with a couple of loans at Brechin City and Kelty Hearts. How were those experiences? 

I think they did a lot for me. Brechin was the first one in the Highland League. It was so different going from Under-18s football to the physicality of that league but I think I needed that mix. It helps you develop as a young player. You can be good technically and but it's the other bits of the game you learn from experienced players. Kelty was after that. I'd train with Aberdeen through the week then train with Kelty on a Thursday and play on the Saturday.

How do you reflect on this season at club level, your first season with so much involvement in the first team at Aberdeen?

It's been a good season. I've had some great experiences and played in some big games. Obviously the European ones stick out. I can't describe what it felt like walking out on those games. I started against Helsinki away and Frankfurt at home. Helsinki was a challenge, on an astro pitch with a sheet of ice over it and it had to be stopped because of the snow. Then Frankfurt at home, it was a packed out Pittodrie and to win was even better. 

You also had the chance to play at the National Stadium in the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup Semi-Final against Celtic and you also scored a penalty in the shoot-out. Talk to us about that day?

It was one of those days where it was mixed emotions after it. We'd just been beaten but it was one of the best performances we'd had in a long time and scoring the penalty was a good feeling. I just wished we clinched it as it would have been the perfect day but still a good experience.

You've got a familiar face in Connor Barron with the Under-21s. Has he helped you settle in?

Especially when you first come in it's good to have boys who have been in the same position. I went to school with Connor and I've played with him for a while so I know him well. It helps having someone to integrate into the squad. I went to the Hazlehead Performance School as well which was brilliant. There was nothing better and the training there was really good. Calvin Ramsay was in my year too and he was a top player. 

You've played a few different positions in recent years but what would you say is your best?

I was a midfielder coming through the youth academy. Generally box-to-box or a holding midfielder and then two years ago when I started to grow, a few of my coaches said that I would be suited there. They probably just saw my shooting! The attributes I've got I think are best suited to centre-back but I can play right-back and midfield as well.

And finally, what are you thoughts going into this week's matches?

All the boys are looking forward to the games. It'll be a different experience but one I'm looking forward to. I'll give 100 per cent and hopefully get on the pitch. 

How to Follow the Match

Scotland National Team social media accounts will provide updates throughout the match against Turkiye.

Scotland Men's Under-21 Squad 

Adam Devine Rangers (on loan to Motherwell)
Adedire Mebude KVC Westerlo (on loan to Bristol City)
Azeem Abdulai Swansea City
Cieran Slicker Ipswich Town
Connor Barron* Aberdeen
Connor McAvoy Fulham
David Watson Kilmarnock
Jack Milne* Aberdeen
Jack Newman Dundee United
Josh Mulligan* Dundee
Kai Fotheringham* Dundee United
Lennon Miller Motherwell
Leon King Rangers
Lewis Fiorini Manchester City (on loan to Charlton Athletic)
Liam Morrison* Bayern Munich (on from to Wigan Athletic)
Lyall Cameron* Dundee
Matthew Anderson Celtic (on loan to FC Admira Wacker Modling)
Max Johnston* Sturm Graz
Michael Mellon Burnley (on loan to Dundee)
Robert Apter Blackpool (on loan to Tranmere Rovers)
Tommy Conway Bristol City
Vincent Angelini Brentford