Teenager Findlay Curtis earns first Scotland call-up | OneFootball

Teenage winger Findlay Curtis (19) has earned a surprise first senior call-up to the Scotland national football team squad ahead of two international friendlies later this month, BBC Sport reports.

The 19-year-old, currently on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, has been rewarded for a promising breakthrough season that has seen him feature regularly in the Scottish Premiership.

Curtis’ inclusion comes as head coach Steve Clarke begins shaping his squad ahead of the summer’s FIFA World Cup. Scotland will host Japan national football team at Hampden Park before facing Ivory Coast national football team in a second friendly at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Clarke said Curtis had caught his eye with his direct style and attacking intent. “He came into the Rangers team and I liked him,” the Scotland manager explained. “He’s quick, direct, and tries to make things happen. I watched him live at the weekend and thought he did well.”

The call-up represents a remarkable rise for Curtis, who was not included in the Scotland Under-21 squad during the previous international window in November.

“I didn’t expect it at such a young age, but it’s a dream come true,” Curtis said. “I told my mum and dad straight away, my mum started crying.”

Clarke added that introducing young players was a natural part of evolving the national squad, insisting Curtis now has the opportunity to gain valuable experience within the international setup.

GFN | Finn Entwistle