Scoring 16 goals and conceding only one in six games, Scotland under-17s are Croatia bound in the summer for an unprecedented fourth successive UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals.

After progressing through the qualifying round last year, defeating Malta, Wales and Portugal, Scotland played host to the elite round over the last six days.

Ranked sixth in Europe, they recorded victories over Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, while the other games in the group were played at Cappielow Park.

On Friday night Celtic’s Jack Aitchison and Norwich City’s Glenn Middleton both notched doubles with Zak Rudden and Kerr McInroy also on the scoresheet against Montenegro.

Middleton was to play a key role across the three fixtures and he scored from an impressive strike in Sunday’s match against Serbia, meaning only a point was required in yesterday’s game against Switzerland.

As has been the case with Scot Gemmill’s side of late, they ensured they finished the job in style and capped the elite round stage with a 1-0 victory.

Middleton was again the man who hit the back of the net, this time with a first-half penalty that secured Scotland’s place at this year’s 16-team finals. 

Head coach Scot Gemmill said: “I think the results this team have achieved in both the qualifying round and elite round say everything.

“They have won all six matches and scored 16 goals – I’m thrilled for them but it is no more than they deserve because they have worked hard for what they have achieved.

“They have earned their place among the top teams in Europe and can go to Croatia full of confidence and belief.

“Three of the squad have already tasted finals football with us in recent years [Jack Aitchison, Glenn Middleton, Zak Rudden] and more will get that opportunity in a couple of months’ time which will only help them as they make their way in the game.”

Group 4 elite round results

Friday, 17 March 2017

Serbia 2-1 Switzerland

Scotland 6-1 Montenegro

Sunday, 19 March 2017

Switzerland 3-1 Montenegro 

Scotland 1-0 Serbia 

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Switzerland 0-1 Scotland 

Montenegro 0-1 Serbia 

Scotland Under-17 squad

Goalkeepers

Josh Donaldson (Dundee United)
Jon McCracken (Norwich City) PS

Defenders

Stephen Welsh (Celtic)
Daniel Church (Celtic)
Robbie Deas (Celtic)
Jordan Houston (Rangers)
Lewis Mayo (Rangers) PS
Jonny Mitchell (Falkirk) PS

Midfielders

 
Elliot Watt (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Kerr McInroy (Celtic)
Aaron Reid (Heart of Midlothian) PS
Seb Ross (Aberdeen) PS
Lewis Smith (Hamilton Academical)
Jack Thomson (Rangers) - withdrawn

Forwards


Jack Aitchison (Celtic)
Zak Rudden (Rangers) PS
Glenn Middleton (Norwich City)
Lewis Hutchison (Aberdeen)
Innes Cameron (Kilmarnock)

PS - player has participated in the Scottish FA Performance School programme