Scotland v Portugal
UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (7pm kick-off
Fir Park, Motherwell

After a narrow defeat to Czechia on Friday evening, Scotland Men's Under-21s are back on home soil with a match against Pot 1 side Portugal at Fir Park. 

Tickets for the match are still available to purchase here, with Scotland Supporters Club (SSC) members going free, while the game will also be streamed live on our Youtube channel.

Scotland created little in the first half as they fell behind in Czechia but improved after the break and were unfortunate not to draw level before a dramatic incident occurred in the second half. Substitute goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams saved two penalties, but the Dundee United goalkeeper was deemed to have come off his line on both occasions and he was unable to stop the third as Czechia made it 2-0.

Scotland will be looking to bounce back tomorrow night against the Portuguese and Gemmill will be hoping that Fir Park can be the good luck charm against for the Scots, having witnessed his side beat Hungary and Malta in their last two matches in Motherwell. 

And we know we need to get some points on the board soon, if we are to qualify from a group that includes Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Gibraltar, as well as Portugal and Czechia. 

Team News

Scot Gemmill had no injury concerns prior to the opening match but Scotland lost two players during Friday's match, with Liam McFarlane and Cameron Gardner suffering injuries.

Both have dropped out of the squad, with Aberdeen left back Mitchell Frame called in and aiming to win his first Under-21 cap.

Pre-match thoughts

After winning a couple of caps at Under-16 level and one in the Under-20s in May, Kristi Montgomery made his debut for the Scotland Under-21s on Friday evening.

We caught up with the versatile Blackburn Rovers youngster as he discussed his first team aims, his Scottish family’s pride in his selection, his father’s rugby exploits and his hopes for tonight’s game against Portugal.

Kristi – thanks for speaking to us. Firstly, I know it was a bit out of the blue when you got called into the Under-20s group in May, and you obviously impressed enough to stay in the squad for the Under-21s this week. How has the last week been for you?

It’s been good. It’s a great group of lads here. When I first got the call in May to call the Under-20s I was actually on  a sunbed on holiday in Mallorca and I knew it was a great opportunity so I came straight away. I know a few of the players from playing against them in England and some from playing at Scotland Under-16s so that’s helped. I was in the Victory Shield squad that we won a couple of years ago. From this squad, Ts’oanelo Lets’osa, Dire Mebude, Jeremiah Mullen and Matthew Anderson were all there so that’s made it easier to settle.

I know you played for the Under-20s in May but how was making your Under-21s debut on Friday?

Obviously it was a surreal moment. It’s something every player dreams of. It was a tough game against good opponents and I felt we could’ve done more but we need to build on that in tonight’s game. It was unfortunate to give away a penalty as I hardly touched him and he’s bought it well. Then we had the bizarre penalty situation in which Ruairidh was really unfortunate!

You’ve been at Blackburn for over ten years and have recently taken your first steps with the first team there. Tell us a bit about how that journey’s gone?

Yeah I’ve been there since I was nine. It’s a great set-up and a great environment to be in. It’s helped me become a better player and getting the opportunity with the senior team in the last year has been brilliant as it’s such a high level. Getting some gametime in the Championship has been brilliant too. Dom Hyam, who’s with the Scotland ‘A’ squad is at Blackburn too so that’s been good – he’s a top guy.

I know you’re from Leeds but I understand your mother is Scottish. I imagine it was a proud moment for her when you got the call-up?

Yeah she’s from Edinburgh and my grandparents are from there too. I’ve got a good connection with them still so the family group chat was full of loads of messages! They were super happy for me and looking forward to coming to Fir Park this evening.

For anyone who didn’t watch the game on Friday or hasn’t watched you play before, what would you say are your main attributes or qualities?

I would probably say my versatility is my best quality. I feel I can play quite a few positions at a good level. I made my debut at right back but I would prefer to play central midfield and I can play left back as well. I’m tidy on the ball and physically I’m quite good. Up until Under-18s I was 5ft 4 and suddenly I’ve grown to 6ft 1 which is quite mad in the last two years so that’s helped too!

I know you’re from a sporting background with your father a former professional rugby player. Tell us a bit about that.

Yeah he played for Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos so it was a good level. Rugby league’s huge where we’re from so it’s cool. It was before I was born but then he moved to rugby union when he got a bit older and I remember watching him then although I didn’t really understand the game! I’ve got some flashbacks I can remember though.

And just finally, how much are you looking forward to tonight’s game and what do you expect from Portugal?

It’s another great opportunity from the lads and we’re all ready for it. International football is a bit more tactical than club level and it’s tournament football so every game matters. My family watched my debut on the stream on Friday so looking forward to having them actually there in person. Obviously we’re up against a very good opponent but the main thing is focusing on us and trying to get the three points.

How to Watch 

The match will be streamed live on the Scotland National Team Youtube Channel, with commentary from Andrew MacLean and Scott Allan.

Scotland Men's Under-21 Squad 

Aidan Borland Aston Villa
Ben McPherson Celtic (on loan to Partick Thistle)
Callan McKenna* AFC Bournemouth
Colby Donovan Celtic
Daniel Kelly Millwall
David Watson Kilmarnock
Dire Mebude KVC Westerlo
Dylan Smith Ross County
Emilio Lawrence Manchester City
Findlay Curtis Rangers
James Wilson Heart of Midlothian
Jeremiah Mullen Dunfermline Athletic
Kristi Montgomery Blackburn Rovers
Luke Graham Dundee
Matthew Anderson KV Kortrijik
Miller Thomson* Dundee United
Mitchel Frame Aberdeen
Robbie Ure IK Sirius
Rory Mahady Leeds United
Ruairidh Adams Dundee United (on loan to East Fife)
Ryan One* Sheffield United
Sam Cleall-Harding* Dundee United
Ts’oanelo Lets’osa Partick Thistle

*Denotes Scottish FA JD Performance School graduate

Tickets

Tickets are still available for Scotland's home match against Portugal which kicks off at 7pm on Tuesday, 9 October and they can be purchased here.