Academy International Preview

RANGERS Academy have a number of players who will proudly represent their nations across the next seven days on international duty.

Here’s a look at who is away with their country and the games to look forward to this week, with all kick-off times in BST.

Cole McKinnon – Scotland Under-21s

Scotland v Kazakhstan – Friday, March 21 – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Kick-off 7pm

Alongside Academy graduates Leon King and Adam Devine, Cole has been called up to the Scotland Under-21s squad after making several appearances for Philippe Clement’s side in recent weeks.

The 20-year-old celebrated his European debut for the club in the 2-2 first leg draw with Benfica in Lisbon earlier this month, before coming off the substitutes bench in the victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup.

Scot Gemmill’s side will square off against Kazakhstan at the SMiSA Stadium in a crunch Under-21 European Championship qualifier on Friday evening.

Bailey Rice and Leyton Grant – Scotland Under-19s

Scotland Under-19s v Italy Under-19s – Wednesday, March 20 – UEFA Euro Under-19 Qualifier – Kick-off 2pm

Scotland Under-19s v Georgia Under-19s – Saturday, March 23 – UEFA Euro Under-19 Qualifier – Kick-off 11am

Czech Republic Under-19s v Scotland Under-19s – Tuesday, March 26 – UEFA Euro Under-19 Qualifier – Kick-off 1:30pm

Bailey and Leyton will jet off to Italy with Scotland Under-19s as they gear up for their Under-19 European Championships Elite Round qualifiers against Italy, Georgia and the Czech Republic.

Leyton earned his first call-up to the Under-19s set-up in the previous camp, with the young defender making the step up to the B Team at Rangers in recent weeks.

Bailey, meanwhile, has been a permanent fixture in Billy Stark’s side, often captaining the team, and the young Tartan Army will look to the 17-year-old midfielder for inspiration once again.

Josh Gentles – Wales Under-17s

Wales Under-17s v Romania Under-17s – Wednesday, March 20 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 10am

Wales Under-17s v Sweden Under-17s – Saturday, March 23 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 10am

Bulgaria Under-17s v Wales Under-17s – Tuesday, March 26 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 10am

Josh will join up with Wales Under-17s once again as they target a place at the European Championships.

The teenage forward has enjoyed a stellar year after making the transition to the B Team, competing against seasoned defenders despite still being only 16 years of age.

Josh has been no stranger to the back of the net for his country, and he will be keen to play his part in the Elite Round of qualifiers over the next seven days as Wales face Romania, Sweden and Bulgaria.

Blaine McClure and Callum Burnside – Northern Ireland Under-17s

Northern Ireland Under-17s v England Under-17s – Wednesday, March 20 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 3pm

France Under-17s v Northern Ireland Under-17s – Saturday, March 23 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 7pm

Northern Ireland Under-17s v Hungary Under-17s – Tuesday, March 26 – UEFA Euro Under-17 Qualifier – Kick-off 7pm

Blaine and Callum will once again represent Northern Ireland Under-17s in the Elite Round of European Championships qualifying.

Indeed, the duo have impressed in Steven Smith’s Under-18s side this term having both arrived from Linfield over the summer.

Blaine has been capped at Under-19s level by the Green and White Army previously, and the pair will be keen to leave a lasting impression as Northern Ireland target a place at the Under-17 European Championships with the three-game series at St. George’s Park in England.


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