Barron & Doig return to Scotland U21s as One promoted

Scotland Under-21s are aiming for a Euro 2025 play-off spot

Connor Barron and Josh Doig have returned to the Scotland Under-21 squad - and there is a first call-up for Sheffield United striker Ryan One - for their defining Euro 2025 double header against Belgium and Kazakhstan.

But Ipswich Town goalkeeper Cieran Slicker is ruled out through injury.

Scotland currently sit second, ahead of the Belgians on goal difference, in Group B behind runaway leaders Spain before their rivals for a runner-up spot visit Tynecastle and Scot Gemmill's side conclude the group stage in Almaty.

If successful, Scotland will likely miss out on three available automatic qualification spots for group runners-up and will be chasing one of six play-off places.

Rangers midfielder Barron and Sassuolo Calcio left-back Doig had been called up to Steve Clarke's senior squad last time but are available to Gemmill for the decisive fixtures.

Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston was also in the senior squad last time but returned to the under-21s for their win over Malta and is included again.

Stockport County midfielder Lewis Fiorini returns after missing two camps through injury, while One is promoted from the under-19s, but Ben Doak, the Liverpool winger on loan to Middlesbrough, is with the senior squad this time.

Slicker joins Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and two centre-backs - Portsmouth's Ibane Bowat and Liam Morrison of Queens Park Rangers - as an injury absentee.

Scotland Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers: Lewis Budinaukas (Rangers), Murray Johnson (Hibernian (on loan to Airdrieonians), Jack Newman (Dundee United, on loan to Inverness Caledonian Thistle).

Defenders: Matthew Anderson (Celtic, on loan to Admira Wacker), Josh Doig (Sassuolo Calcio), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Leon King (Rangers), Jack Milne (Aberdeen), Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen (Leeds United), Dane Murray (Celtic, on loan to Queen's Park), Lewis Neilson (Heart of Midlothian, on loan to St Johnstone), Calvin Ramsay (Liverpool, on loan to Wigan Athletic), Ewan Wilson (Motherwell).

Midfielders: Robert Apter (Blackpool), Connor Barron (Rangers), Lyall Cameron (Dundee), Lewis Fiorini (Stockport County), Daniel Kelly (Millwall), Lennon Miller (Motherwell), Josh Mulligan (Dundee), Miller Thomson (Dundee United), David Watson (Kilmarnock).

Forwards: Adedire Mebude (Westerlo), Bobby Wales (Kilmarnock), Ryan One (Sheffield United).