Four key senior Scotland U21 stars including ex Rangers striker chopped from squad as Tony Docherty reveals priority

Scotland U21 boss Tony Docherty has rested four senior players for the final Euro 2027 qualifier in Bulgaria to focus on younger prospects.

New Scotland Under 21s manager Tony Docherty has excluded four experienced players—captain Jeremiah Mullen, former Rangers striker Dire Mebude, Manchester City's Emilio Lawrence and Partick Thistle's Ben McPherson—from the squad for the final Euro 2027 qualifying group match in Bulgaria. The game is a dead rubber after Scotland were eliminated with two games remaining, despite hammering Azerbaijan last week. Docherty said he wants to prioritize the next generation and look ahead to future qualifiers, with Scotland needing to avoid defeat to secure third place and a favourable pot for the next tournament.