Vauxhall International Challenge Match
Scotland v Costa Rica
Friday, 23 March, kick-off 7.45pm
Hampden Park

International Challenge Match
Hungary v Scotland
Tuesday, 27 March, kick-off 7pm (UK time)
Groupama Arena

This morning Scott McKenna has been called up to the senior Scotland squad for the first time. The Scotland U21 captain has been named in Alex McLeish’s first squad since the former Don returned to the national dugout.

Kenny McLean and Ryan Christie are also named in McLeish’s squad who will face Costa Rica on the Friday of the international weekend at Hampden and then the Scots travel to play Hungary in Budapest the following Tuesday.

Derek McInnes told RedTV:

“I am very pleased for Kenny, Ryan and Scott.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Scott McKenna being involved and I’m delighted that’s been confirmed. As I’ve said previously he won’t let anybody down. He’s ready for it and I feel that. If Alex decides to play him in the games, then he won’t let anybody down. It’s a fantastic reward for him and it shows you how quickly things can change for a young player or any player really. He’s been getting better and better. Alex was at the game on Saturday and he never put a foot wrong. He was very good, and he’s been very good the majority of games he’s played.

“If you see any young player established at any of the top clubs and playing week in week out, then it’s a huge benefit to get them into the international set up as quickly as possible.

“You’re always going to be judged up against more senior players, but I think for a long term view the more younger players we’ve got then the better chance we’ve got of building towards something. I think Scott has still got a lot to do and he doesn’t think he’s the finished article as none of us do, but he’s showing a lot of attributes and the mental strength of dealing with every situation. He’s got that in his favour as well as the physical attributes.”

In total there are six new faces in the squad plus a number of recalls.

The Squad in full:

Goalkeepers

Jordan Archer (Millwall)
Alan McGregor (Hull City)
Jon McLaughlin (Heart of Midlothian)

Defenders

Barry Douglas (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Grant Hanley (Norwich City)
Russell Martin (Rangers) *
Scott McKenna (Aberdeen)
Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers)
Callum Paterson (Cardiff City)
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Midfielders

Stuart Armstrong (Celtic)
Tom Cairney (Fulham)
James Forrest (Celtic)
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
Kevin McDonald (Fulham)
Dylan McGeouch (Hibernian)
John McGinn (Hibernian)
Calum McGregor (Celtic)
Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) *
Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
Jamie Murphy (Rangers) **
Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United)

Forwards

Ryan Christie (Aberdeen) ***
Jason Cummings (Rangers) ****
Oliver McBurnie (Barnsley) *****
Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion)

* On loan from Norwich City
** On loan from Brighton & Hove Albion
*** On loan from Celtic
**** On loan from Nottingham Forrest
***** On loan from Swansea City