Norway v Scotland
Thursday, 15 June, 5pm kick off (UK time)
Estadi Olimpic Camilo Cano, Spain

Scotland Under-21s step up their preparations for the start of their Euro 2025 qualifiers in September, with the first of two friendly matches against Norway on Thursday. 

The match will take will take place in La Nucia, with a 6pm (local time) kick off. 

Scot Gemmill's side have been in the Murcia region of Spain since Monday for a training camp.

With Norway also in Pot 3, the match will serve as an indicator of how Scotland are shaping up against of September's opening qualifier against Spain.

Team News 

Tommy Conway and Leon King are welcomed back into the group after missing the last camp through injury, although Ben Doak, Max Johnston, Josh Doig, Calvin Ramsay and Hayden Hackney are all notable absentees who will be pushing for a place in Gemmill's starting XI come September.

Swansea's Liam Smith, Celtic's Ben McPherson and Dundee's Lyall Cameron have earned their first call-ups at Under-21 level and they will be hoping to make their debuts over the coming few days.

Celtic's Matthew Anderson was part of the March camp without featuring and the left-back will also be looking to earn his first Under-21 cap.

Pre-match Thoughts

Swansea's Liam Smith has been called up to the Under-21s for the first time, having featured for Scotland all the way through the age groups. 

The winger spoke to us about moving away to England at such a young age and his international aspirations. 

Liam - thanks for speaking to us. Firstly, how did it feel to get the first call-up at Under-21 level have you found your first time away so far? 

I knew Scot Gemmill had been watching my games but it was great to get the call It's always an ambition to get into the Scotland squads.

The Under-21s is a huge step from the Under-19s as it's men's football. 

Having played with Scotland through the age groups, I imagine you knew a lot of the boys already? 

Yeah I know quite a lot of the boys. When I was at Manchester City I used to play with Dire Mebude, Lewis Fiorini and Cieran Slicker. I went to the Grange Performance School with Liam Morrison as well and I know Azeem Abdulai from Swansea. 

You touch on the Scottish FA JD Performance Schools there. How was that experience in terms of your development?

I loved the set up - you're playing every day and you notice yourself getting better. You can definitely notice the difference every time you go into your club. Andy Goldie was the coach at first and then James Grady.

One of the first big things I've done in football was the trials to get in and I remember the nerves. Liam Morrison and myself were at the same school so we've known each other basically all our lives. 

When did you get your first taste of international football and can you remember what that was like? 

My first Scotland experience was in the Under-17s with Brian McLaughlin. I played Victory Shield as well. My first games were against England and Turkey at St George's Park. 

It was amazing playing for Scotland for the first time. It's a dream to play for your country and my dad was there - he always comes to my games, wherever they are.

You made the move from Kilmarnock to Manchester City when you were just 16. What was that move like at such a young age?

I did have a couple of interests but I went to visit Manchester City and I knew then that it was the team I wanted to play for. I went down and had a couple of training sessions and I was round the first team side as well. Just meeting the players and seeing the facilities was amazing.

In the first year I was in digs and then the next time I lived in the academy. Myself and Josh Adam moved down at the same time and then a couple of months later Dire moved down as well. 

That definitely helped having them because I was young and it was a new environment so it's hard to get used to at first. It was a big step up but I was there for a reason and I knew I was good enough to be there. 

Every player who moves down - especially at that age. You will get a bit homesick but you just need to stick with it and get through it. 

For someone who hasn't watched you play before, how would you describe your style of play?

I'm a direct winger. I like to get at my opponents one-v-one and create chances and score goals. I like both wings - left or right doesn't bother me as long as I'm playing. Usually at Manchester City Dire was on the right and I was on the left and Josh Adam played as well. We used to win all the time and will the leagues so celebrations were always great.

You made the move to Swansea earlier this year. How have you enjoyed it there so far? 

I was quite shocked at how good the standard was. I knew it was going to be because the Championship is a tough league but the way Swansea play especially is the style I want to play so that's been great. It's much tougher adapting to men's football but it helps you a lot.

Russell Martin was the manager when I joined and I met him before I signed. He was amazing with me and I had a lot of discussions with him.

I've got my own apartment just now. It's a lovely place and the people are amazing. I've been learning to cook and it's mostly chicken and rice but I'm getting there! 

You'll have trained with a number of talented players at both Manchester City and Swansea but who stand out in terms of players you have learned off?

Rihad Mahrez and Phil Foden were ones that i learned off at Manchester City. When you're playing against them in training you watch them and the different things they do. There's a lot of good players at Swansea too but Jay Fulton who has also played for Scotland Under-21s is one who stands out and he's good with me as well.

Just finally, how has training been this week and what are you expecting from Norway?

There's a lot of good experienced first-team players here so training has been good.  Norway are a really good side but I think we have talented players as well so I'm looking forward to it.

Scotland Under-21 Squad List

Azeem Abdulai Swansea City
Matthew Anderson Celtic
Connor Barron* Aberdeen
Kieron Bowie Northampton Town 
Lyall Cameron* Dundee
Tommy Conway Bristol City
Ryan Duncan Aberdeen
Lewis Fiorini Manchester City
Jay Hogarth* Alloa Athletic
Leon King Rangers
Ben McPherson Celtic
Dire Mebude Manchester City 
Liam Morrison* Bayern Munich 
Jeremiah Mullen Leeds United
Josh Mulligan Dundee 
Jack Newman Dundee United
Lewis Neilson* Heart of Midlothian 
Josh Reid Coventry City 
Cieran Slicker Manchester City 
Connor Smith* Heart of Midlothian
Liam Smith* Swansea City 
Ben Summers Celtic