New breed of stars emerging across the border

Scotland's national team may have slumped to their worst ever FIFA ranking of 86, but Under-18s manager Ross Mathie believes the future is bright.

The tartan side to face England tonight is full of first-team experience.

Mathie said: "We have lots of players in this Under-18 squad who have regularly played in their first team. It is a very experienced side."

Mathie shrugged off the worst-ranking tag for the senior side and pointed to the up-and-coming talent emerging through the various ranks.

"I have always said that we have some smashing young players in Scotland, but in the past they have never had the opportunity to play because of the number of foreign players," said Mathie.

"James McCluskey is Hibs's youngest ever player after making his debut against Kilmarnock at 16 and Stevie Fletcher has also played. At Livingstone we have Robert Snodgrass and not only are these lads getting games, they're also training with first-team players which helps.

"Hopefully, we can now continue to produce these sort of players and the public will see them tonight."