Scotland Under-21s: Five Hearts players in squad for Euro qualifiers

Sam Nicholson (left) and Jordan McGhee are two of the Hearts contingent

Five Hearts players have been included in the Scotland Under-21 squad for qualifiers against France and Northern Ireland later this month.

Defenders Jordan McGhee and John Souttar, goalkeeper Jack Hamilton and forwards Sam Nicholson and Billy King - on loan to Rangers - all feature.

Donald Love, who made his first-team debut for Manchester United last month, is also included.

Scotland play France away on 24 March, hosting Northern Ireland on 29 March.

Scotland are currently fourth out of six in Group Three after a win and two draws from their opening four games, five points behind France in second.

Northern Ireland have yet to win any of their five games, losing four.

Scotland Under-21 squad:

Goalkeepers: Ryan Fulton (Liverpool, on loan to Portsmouth), Jack Hamilton (Hearts), Jonathan Henly (Ipswich)

Defenders: Stuart Findlay (Celtic, on loan to Kilmarnock), Marcus Fraser (Ross County), Stephen Hendrie (West Ham United), Dominic Hyam (Reading, on loan to Dagenham & Redbridge), Stephen Kingsley (Swansea City)*, Donald Love (Manchester United), Callum McFadzean (Sheffield United), Jordan McGhee (Hearts), John Souttar (Hearts).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Celtic), Ryan Gauld (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Liam Henderson (Celtic, on loan to Hibernian), Liam Polworth (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Craig Slater (Kilmarnock), Craig Storie (Aberdeen).

Forwards: Jason Cummings (Hibernian), Billy King (Hearts, on loan to Rangers), Oliver McBurnie (Swansea, on loan to Bristol Rovers), Barrie McKay (Rangers), Sam Nicholson (Hearts).

*Added to the squad on Monday 14 March to replace Callum McFadzean (Sheffield United) who has withdrawn through injury.