Miller and Donovan return as Scotland Under-21s rebuild squad

Scotland have named a refreshed Under-21 squad featuring Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, Celtic defender Colby Donovan and Hearts forward James Wilson, with head coach Tony Docherty outlining how the younger side will support players moving between international levels. The Scottish FA announced the selection on November 4, including a first call-up for Dunfermline Athletic defender John Tod.

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Docherty told BBC Sport he had spoken with Miller and Donovan about their development and the opportunity to play when senior-team minutes were unlikely. He said the Under-21 setup would reflect the senior side's structure and fundamentals. Donovan had actively welcomed the chance to join the group, according to the coach, rather than simply being instructed to step down.

The changes come amid a substantial turnover in eligible players. BBC Sport reported that 16 of the 27 players in Docherty's first squad had moved beyond the age limit as he prepares for another European qualifying campaign. St Mirren striker Eseosa Sule has also been selected, while Rangers forward Kyle Glasgow moves into the Under-19 group for its European qualifiers.

John Tod joins his brother Andrew in the squad, giving Dunfermline two representatives in the newly announced group. The Scottish FA said the selection combined returning senior players with first-time call-ups as Docherty begins shaping his next qualifying team. Scotland completed their previous qualifying campaign with victories over Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

The published squad also includes Manchester United pair Daniel Armer and Tyler Fletcher, Aberdeen defender Mitchel Frame and Ross County's Dylan Smith. Sam Kane of Derby County, Leeds United's Rory Mahady and Aidan Rice, on loan at Dumbarton from Celtic, are the three goalkeepers. Several other selections are playing away from their parent clubs on loan.

Docherty also pointed to movement in the opposite direction. He told BBC Sport that Findlay Curtis had returned to the senior group after performing for the Under-21s during the previous camp. For the coach, the returning players can help establish standards and a shared identity while gaining match experience within the national-team system.