Our youngsters are developing a big-game mentality, says Scot Gemmill
Scotland Under-21s head coach Scot Gemmill is optimistic that a growing big-game mentality among his players can help keep them in the hunt for European qualification.
The young Scots realistically need to beat Ukraine in Kiev on Friday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals.
They moved level on points with Ukraine and above Holland last month with their second victory over the Dutch. The triumph followed another run to the Toulon Tournament semi-finals in the summer.
Ukraine won 2-0 in Perth last November but Gemmill has noted an increased sense of confidence among young Scottish players in recent years when facing more-fancied nations.
Gemmill said: "They're a very good team - technically, physically and mentally as well. They beat us quite comfortably in November but it's up to us to make sure we're prepared as best tactically and physically as we can be and match them mentally as well.
"This group of players have shown they can beat strong opposition and that's the objective - to go and show we can perform on the day. It's great to be involved in games that really matter.
"Over the last 18-24 months if you look at, not just the teams I've been involved with, but Brian (McLaughlin) and Billy (Stark) as well, they have shown they can beat opposition. The list is incredible - Spain, England, France, Brazil, Holland obviously.
"You don't beat teams like that by chance. We feel we are working to a really good framework, that there's real clarity of message to the players, but also that there's real talent amongst the players as well.
"I've been lucky to be involved with the national youth teams the last few years, working from Under-15s right up to 21s and there's definitely a step in the right direction with the work that's going on in clubs and performance schools, definitely a real increase in technical level but also maturity, confidence and game understanding and intelligence.
"There really is a lot to be positive about but we have to go and show it in performances.'