Welcome Back Danny

Last updated : 06 October 2011 By Ed_ScottishFitba

Danny Wilson Danny Wilson has dropped back into the Scotland Under 21 fold and David Wotherspoon for one is glad to have him along for the games against Luxembourg and Austria. Wilson scored on his debut for the senior side and has picked four more caps but a lack of first-team football at Liverpool meant there was not a place left open for him in Craig Levein's squad which flew off to Lichtenstein this morning ahead of Saturday's game against their hosts. Under 21 coach Billy Stark swooped to add the defender to his own squad for their UEFA European Under-21 championship qualifying double-header. Wotherspoon believes Wilson being added can only benefit the Under 21s.
 
The Hibs midfielder said: "He knows all the boys here so there is nothing different for him. Coming back, he might be a little bit disappointed but I think he's glad to be among the rest of the lads and he'll look forward to it. It's a real boost for us that we are strengthening our defence again."
 
The Under 21s have been fulfilling their function of providing a proving ground at International level for players before they are promoted to the 'A' squad.  Wilson missed out on this time around but, others, such as Blackburn striker David Goodwillie and Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan, have managed to remain in Levein's plans. Not so long ago these players were alongside the current squad and they show that by hard work that others can make the step up. Wotherspoon said: "You see the progress that some of the boys have made. David Goodwillie was sitting on the bench a couple of times and now he is in the full squad and he's moved down to Blackburn and he's doing great for himself. I've always thought Barry Bannan was a good player and playing with him was great. He's moved on and it's such an ambition for everyone so I think it's a positive thing that we can look at."
 
As the ultimate aim is progression to the senior national team, Wotherspoon believes Gregg Wylde is a prime example of just how fierce competition for places can be among the nations' younger players too. Wylde has established himself as a first-team regular at Rangers this season but was an unused substitute when the Under-21s were held to a goalless draw against Bulgaria in last month's tournament opener. Wotherspoon said: "Everyone wants to be a part of that eleven so some boys need to sit on the bench. You can see the depth of our squad. Gregg Wylde has been on the bench for us but he has been terrific for Rangers, he has been getting on the scoresheet and setting up goals. It does show the strength of our squad."
 
The under 21s start off their double header tonight in Luxembourg, followed by a home game against the Austrians on Monday at St Mirren Park. Wotherspoon is well aware that expectations will be high, especially for the first of those two games. He said: "It does put a little bit of pressure on us but I think we can handle it. We know ourselves that we can go there and get three points. We went to Azerbaijan in the last campaign and won 4-0 and then we came back here and they played pretty well and showed that they were a decent team and got a draw. It shows that anything can happen but hopefully we can go over there and show what we've got because we've got the players who can get the three points."

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier
Luxembourg v Scotland
Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg
Thursday, 6 October, kick-off 7.30pm (local time)