Hibs’ youngsters Oli Shaw and Sean Mackie have won call-ups to the Scotland Under-21 squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Mexico and Sweden.
The squad will base themselves in Marbella, Spain for the double-header with Mexico (22 March) and Sweden (25 March).
Scott Gemmill’s side have been drawn against Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania and San Marino.
The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the finals, while the runners-up with the best records against the teams coming first, third, fourth and fifth in their group will go into a play-off in a bid to reach the tournament co-hosted by Hungary and Slovenia.
The qualifiers kick off in September with the visit of San Marino and a trip to Croatia.
Left-back Mackie told Hibernian Media: “It’s a real honour and it was a proud moment when I heard.
“Obviously Oli’s been involved through the age levels and it’s always been an ambition of mine to follow in his footsteps.
“First and foremost I’ve had to work hard to try and get in and around the first team at Hibs but playing for Scotland is something that should always be in the back of your mind.
“Everyone wants to play for their country so I’m grateful that Scot Gemmill and his staff have given me the opportunity to show what I can do and I’ll do everything I can to make a good impression over the trip to Spain and hopefully get some minutes in the games.”
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.
