Scotland have moved James Wilson and Findlay Curtis from the senior squad to the under-21s as the national team continues preparations for the latest Nations League fixtures.
The teenage duo had been training with new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli’s senior group in La Manga, Spain.
However, Wilson and Curtis are now expected to link up with Tony Docherty’s U21 side, where they could have a greater opportunity to play during the international window.
The decision means the pair are unlikely to feature in Scotland’s opening two Nations League matches, with the senior team preparing for an away trip to Slovenia before hosting Switzerland.
Wilson, who plays for Hearts, and Rangers winger Curtis were both initially included in Pocognoli’s senior group as the new head coach began shaping his squad.
With competition for places at senior level, the move to the U21s is designed to provide the young players with valuable minutes rather than leaving them waiting for opportunities from the bench.
However, the door has not been completely closed on a return to the senior squad during the international window.
Wilson and Curtis could still feature in Scotland’s final two Nations League matches, with the team scheduled to travel to North Macedonia before facing Slovenia at Hampden.
The movement between the senior and youth squads could become a feature of Scotland’s new era under Pocognoli.
U21 head coach Docherty is also part of the group in Spain, allowing greater coordination between the two teams and creating an opportunity for promising youngsters to move between squads when required.
For Wilson, the latest development adds another chapter to a rapid rise at international level.
The Hearts striker made his Scotland debut in March at just 18 years old and has since continued to attract attention with his performances at club level.
Curtis has also already experienced senior international football despite his young age.
The Rangers winger made his Scotland debut in March this year and was subsequently selected for the squad that travelled to the World Cup.
He featured in matches against Haiti and Brazil, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
Both players therefore remain firmly within the wider picture for Scotland as Pocognoli begins his tenure.
Their temporary switch to the U21s does not represent a step away from the senior setup. Instead, it gives the youngsters an opportunity to gain competitive minutes while remaining available for a potential recall later in the window.
With Scotland looking to balance immediate Nations League demands with the development of their next generation, Wilson and Curtis will now focus on making an impact with the U21s before the senior squad’s final fixtures of the international break.
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