Ryan Gauld’s call-up to Scotland squad well deserved says Sbragia

Scotland Under-19 coach Ricky Sbragia insists Ryan Gauld’s surprise call-up to the full squad is well deserved.

Experienced former Manchester United and Sunderland coach Sbragia worked with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder last season and is delighted to see the 18-year-old be included by Gordon Strachan for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Georgia and Poland.

After making a £2.2 million switch from Dundee United to Portugal during the summer, Gauld has so far had to settle for a stint in Sporting’s B side.

But Strachan wants to get to know the highly-rated playmaker better and Sbragia reckons he will not be disappointed.

Sbragia said: “It’s been brilliant progression from him.

“Having started with the under-17s and represented Scotland at all the levels, he has done fantastically well to be called up to Gordon’s A-squad.

“Ryan’s has a fantastic attitude and work ethic, and he fully deserves to be where he is.

“At Dundee United he worked hard to establish himself in the first team.

“He’s earned a terrific move to Portugal where hopefully he can benefit from the different culture and learn a different style of football.”