WITH domestic matters back on the agenda heading into this weekend’s trip to face Aberdeen, let’s first take a look at how our players fared on international duty over the past week.
Ryan Jack and Robby McCrorie – Scotland
Georgia 2-2 Scotland – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Thursday, November 16
Scotland 3-3 Norway – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Sunday, November 19
It was goals galore for Scotland as they played out the remainder of their 2024 European Championships qualifying campaign while safe in the knowledge that their place in Germany next summer had been secured last month.
Indeed, Steve Clarke’s men rescued a point in injury time away to Georgia as Robby McCrorie and Ryan Jack were involved in the matchday squad, while the latter was a second half substitute in the frenetic 3-3 draw with Norway at the national stadium on Sunday.
Scotland will now face a slate of friendlies in the subsequent international camp in March later this season as they ramp up their preparations for the tournament in Germany.
Ridvan Yilmaz - Turkey
Germany 2-3 Turkey – International Friendly – Saturday, November 18
Wales 1-1 Turkey – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Tuesday, November 21
Victory may have proven elusive for Turkey in their concluding group game last night, but Vincenzo Montella’s side will be represented at next year’s European Championships after an impressive qualifying campaign.
Ridvan was part of the matchday squad as his side recorded a 3-2 triumph away to Germany in a friendly contest, before Turkey rescued a point at the home of Wales to close out their qualifying campaign last night.
Jose Cifuentes – Ecuador
Venezuela 0-0 Ecuador – FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier – Thursday, November 16
Ecuador 1-0 Chile – FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier – Tuesday, November 21
Jose and Ecuador boosted their hopes of securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup as they enjoyed an unbeaten international break.
The 24-year-old midfielder started and played 92 minutes as La Tri played out a goalless draw with Venezuela last week.
And despite not being involved in last night’s home triumph over Chile, Ecuador prevailed with a priceless three points thanks to a first half strike.
Ianis Hagi – Romania
Israel 1-2 Romania – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Saturday, November 18
Romania 1-0 Switzerland – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier – Tuesday, November 21
Ianis enjoyed a memorable international window as Romania celebrated qualification to the European Championships and a top spot berth in Group I to boot.
Indeed, it was the 25-year-old who delivered the decisive strike as his winning goal in the 2-1 victory rubber-stamped his side’s return to a major international tournament.
Romania then capped off an impressive qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Switzerland in the battle for first place in the group, preserving Ianis and his teammates’ unbeaten campaign.
Leon King, Adam Devine and Alex Lowry - Scotland Under-21s
Belgium Under-21s 0-2 Scotland Under-21s – UEFA Euro Under-21 Qualifier – Friday, November 17
Hungary Under-21s 0-0 Scotland Under-21s – UEFA Euro Under-21 Qualifier – Tuesday, November 21
Alongside the late call-ups of Gers Academy duo Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon, a Scotland Under-21s side with a strong Rangers flavour strengthened their hopes of qualification to the Under-21 European Championships.
Leon and Adam played the full 90 minutes as Scot Gemmill’s young side produced an impressive 2-0 victory at the home of Belgium.
Scotland were then unfortunate not to prevail with all three points in last night’s goalless draw against Hungary, with Leon and Adam joined in the starting lineup by Fraser as they secured successive clean sheets.