Dunfermline’s superb start to the Championship season has been rewarded with an international call-up for Ryan Williamson.
The Pars full-back has been picked by Scotland under-21 coach Scot Gemmill for next month’s European Championship double-header against England and Latvia.
Williamson had previously been selected for training camps at under-17 and under-19 level, and was called up to the 19s squad in 2014.
Now the 21-year-old Fifer has a chance to represent his country in the October 6 game against the English at Middlesbrough and the trip to Liepaja four days later.
Also called up was St Johnstone’s Jason Kerr, who is currently on loan to Queen of the South.
Gemmill, meanwhile, reckons it is too early to say if Rangers defender Ross McCrorie will become a Tartan Army hero but believes he is ready for a first-team run at Ibrox.
The 19-year-old was handed a baptism of fire as he made his first start during Saturday’s Old Firm clash.
While his side sank to a 2-0 defeat to Celtic, Gemmill was left impressed by the way the teenager handled both Hoops frontman Leigh Griffiths and the white-hot derby atmosphere.
Light Blues boss Pedro Caixinha has already declared his belief that his youngster can become “one of the best centre-halves in history” for club and country.
Gemmill was not prepared to go as far as that after naming McCrorie in his squad but he will not rule it out either.
“I think it’s brilliant that Ross got to play in such a big game and that he was trusted to do so,” said Gemmill.
“He’s been waiting for his big opportunity but he really stepped up to the plate and put in a real solid performance. I’m delighted for him.
“I think it’s still really early to say (he can be one of the best defender in Rangers and Scotland’s history) but it’s a great compliment to Ross that his manager speaks so highly of him.
“All these players are trying to play at the top level and show their ambitions. It’s our job to help them achieve that.
“Ross has played for us at under-16s through to the 21s. Anyone who’s seen him through that period would have been in no doubt he could handle the Old Firm game.
“The fact his manager trusted him to play in such a big game will hopefully give Ross that extra confidence. He didn’t let his manager down, that’s for sure.
“I know Ross is extremely ambitious to play at the top level. It’s harder to get those first-team opportunities at the bigger clubs but he certainly got off to a great start.”
Gemmill will have to do without Celtic defender Anthony Ralston for the showdown with the Auld Enemy on October 6 after being informed by Parkhead chiefs he was “unavailable.”
But Hamilton’s Greg Docherty has been given a recall after the Accies man admitted he would have to consider switching allegiances to Ireland if he continued to be overlooked.
Scotland got their Group 4 bid off to a stunning start as they beat Holland 2-0 earlier this month.
