Scotland's Rising Stars: Miller & Wilson Earn National Team Call-Up

In a bold move by Scotland's head coach Steve Clarke, uncapped teenagers Lennon Miller and James Wilson have been included in the national squad for the upcoming Nations League play-off matches against Greece. Both 18-year-olds have shown exceptional promise at the club level, with Miller captaining Motherwell and Wilson making a significant impact at Hearts, scoring six goals in recent months.

Key Players Return

Lewis Ferguson, Kevin Nisbet, and Kieran Tierney have also been recalled to the squad. Ferguson, who missed Euro 2024 due to a knee injury, has returned to action with Bologna in Serie A. Nisbet, on loan at Aberdeen from Millwall, has been in fine form, netting 10 goals this season. Tierney, who last played for Scotland during the Euros, has recovered from a hamstring injury and is back in action with Arsenal.

Squad Dynamics

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who featured in the Euro finals, is notably absent from the squad. Clarke's side aims to maintain their position in League A, with the first leg against Greece scheduled for 20 March and the return leg at Hampden on 23 March.

Greece's Squad

Greece's head coach Ivan Jovanovic has named a strong squad, including Premier League players Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kostas Tsimikas, and Konstantinos Mavropanos. The inclusion of 17-year-old Genk midfielder Kostas Karetsas highlights Greece's focus on youth development.

Historical Context

Scotland and Greece have only faced each other twice before, both during the Euro 96 qualifying campaign, with Scotland winning 1-0 on both occasions. This upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for supremacy in the Nations League.

Scotland Squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Cieran Slicker (Ipswich Town).

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Birmingham City), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Preston North End, on loan from Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Motherwell).

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen, on loan from Millwall), James Wilson (Hearts).