Robbie Mutch called up to the Scotland U21s

Scot Gemmill has named his Scotland Under-21 squad for the forthcoming friendly match against Slovakia next month and Aberdeen goalkeeper Robbie Mutch is included. It is the first time Robbie has been named in an original squad after last month being called up as a replacement.

Former Aberdeen youngster Jai Quitongo has also been included for the first time.  

Scot Gemmill will take a young squad to Slovakia where the sides will meet at Stadium Myjava on Wednesday, 9 November. His squad consists of players born in 1996 and later but they will take on a Slovakia destined for next summer’s European Championship in Poland which features players born in 1994 and later.

The Scotland U21 coach told www.scottishfa.co.uk: “This match will offer the players another tough test as Slovakia have qualified for next summer’s finals. I think it’s important we continue to face strong opposition and challenge the players every time they come away with us. I’ve included a couple of new faces and hopefully they will see this as their opportunity to impress. I said last month that I will leave no stone unturned in finding the best young players for the under-21 squad and this is a good chance for some new ones to come in and make their mark.

www.afc.co.uk spoke to Robbie after the squad was announced this afternoon:

“I just came out of a meeting there and heard the news. I was quite surprised but obviously delighted.
“Last month I was away with the Scotland U19s and we played Sweden in a friendly game at the Oriam in Edinburgh. I was just away to head home with my dad after the match and then Gordon Marshall phoned to say I had been called up by Scot Gemmill for the U21s and I would be heading to Macedonia as one of the other keepers had withdrawn from the squad. Luckily they were based in Edinburgh as well so I did not have too far to travel but I was quite nervous as I did not know any of the boys bar two – Liam Burt of Rangers who had also been in the U19s squad and obviously Craig Storie.

“I was working with Jim Leighton again so that made it a lot easier for me to settle in. It was nice to see him. When we met, Jim did joke ‘I thought I had seen the back of you!’ I was also working with Ryan Fulton who is the first choice U21 keeper. He plays his club football for Liverpool. I have now made friends with another Liverpool goalkeeper, as well as Danny Ward! The other keeper in the squad is Ross Doohan of Celtic.

“It was a great week working and training with different people. There are a lot of quality players in the squad, a lot of players who are playing regular first team football. Being around these players is good. I must have done ok to be called up again so that is pleasing.

“Looking through the names it is a young squad as they are looking forward to the next campaign.”
 
Robbie is currently on loan at Scottish League Two side Arbroath. He is one of three Aberdeen keepers currently out on loan and believes he benefiting from the experience.

“I think the loan has helped, playing league football. I am enjoying my time at Arbroath very much. It is tough. It is quite a step up from the 20s, especially for a goalkeeper. The game is a lot more physical and you need to concentrate for the full 90 minutes. A lot of the play is a lot more direct so you need to constantly be switched on.

“I train at Pittodrie on a Monday during the day and then with Arbroath on a Monday night. They train down in Perth so there is a bit of travelling to do. Tuesday, I will usually be back in Aberdeen and then have a Wednesday off during the day before going back down to Perth to train with Arbroath and then be back in Aberdeen on a Thursday and Friday. I will play for Arbroath on a Saturday and then get a Sunday off. I have also been playing a few games for the Aberdeen U20s, so my work been non-stop but it is all part of my development.

“I am really enjoying working with Gordon Marshall and all the other keepers at the club. Joe and Neil are both very experienced and can pass on a lot of advice as well. It was also great to see Danny (Rogers) getting called up to the Republic of Ireland first team squad recently. Along with Aaron and David there is a very strong goalkeeping unit at the club.”  

Robbie’s short career has already been a roller-coaster. After being a late signing from the AFC Youth Academy he then in his first season forced his way into the U20s side and went on to help Paul Sheerin’s side win the Development League with some outstanding performances. However, this time last year his dramatic rise was halted by a serious injury.

“It was a year ago yesterday that I got my kidney injury in training and I was out for about eight months. Twelve months ago I was sitting in hospital so it has been a strange year but that is football. I am sure there will be plenty more highs and lows in the years to come.”