A Jason Cummings’ double gave Scotland’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification ambitions a boost yesterday after the youngsters came from behind to defeat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Paisley.
Scotland are now a point behind third-placed Macedonia whom they face next in September, four points behind Iceland in second and six points behind group leaders France although have played one match less.
Sean McCartan’s handed the visitors an early lead before Hibs’ striker Cummings missed a penalty shortly before half time.
Ricky Sbragia introduced Oliver McBurnie early in the second half and the change seemed to spring Scotland into life.
Swansea City striker, on loan at Bristol Rovers Oliver McBurnie equalised on 58 minutes then six minutes later
Cummings put the Scots into the lead.
Cummings added his second, and Scotland’s third, with 12 minutes remaining when he fired home a Stephen Kingsley cross from close range.
Scotland U21: Hamilton, Love, McGhee (Cpt), Souttar, Kingsley, Nicholson (McBurnie 53), Storie, Gauld, McKay (Polworth 89), Christie, Cummings (Henderson 82).
Subs not used: Henly, Hyam, Findlay, Smith.
Attendance: 1065
Photo by John Preece
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
