Scotland Under-20 Squad Named for Slovakia Clash, with Three Young Hearts Stars Included
Scotland have named their Under-20 squad for an upcoming international against Slovakia, set to take place at the national training centre in Senec on Friday, May 23 at 4pm UK time. The fixture serves as a warm-up ahead of the Under-21 European Championship qualifiers beginning this September.
Among the 22 players selected by coach Scot Gemmill are three promising talents from Heart of Midlothian: striker James Wilson, defender Adam Forrester, and goalkeeper Liam McFarlane. Gemmill plans to evaluate several prospects during the match, with Wilson in line to make his debut at this level.
Wilson, 18, made history in March by becoming the youngest ever player to earn a full Scotland cap when he featured in the UEFA Nations League play-off against Greece. That appearance confirmed his international allegiance to Scotland, ruling out future eligibility for Northern Ireland, England, or the Republic of Ireland—nations he could have represented through family heritage.
The Hearts forward, who has netted six goals in 30 appearances for the senior team this season, was shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award—won by Lennon Miller of Motherwell—and remains in contention for the Scottish Football Writers’ Association equivalent.
Forrester, 20, has also made a significant impact in his breakthrough season, tallying 31 appearances. He earned his first Scotland Under-21 call-up in March and will now feature at Under-20 level alongside teammate McFarlane. The young goalkeeper is currently on loan at East Fife and also featured in the previous Under-21 camp.
All three Hearts players are expected to link up with the squad following the conclusion of their club’s Scottish Premiership campaign, which ends with a trip to face Kilmarnock next weekend.
In a recent interview with the Edinburgh News, Wilson reflected on his international journey, revealing he had represented Northern Ireland at Under-17 level before opting to commit to Scotland, his birth nation.
“I always wanted to play for Scotland,” Wilson said. “I did play for Northern Ireland’s U17s first when they came in before Scotland. It was a good experience, but once Scotland called, I knew where I wanted to be.”
“Being around top-level players, seeing how they train and prepare, was invaluable. After that camp in March, I just focused on getting ready for the next Hearts game. I try to take everything in stride.”
Full Scotland Under-20 Squad to Face Slovakia:
Ruaridh Adams (Kelty Hearts, loan from Dundee United), Connor Allan (Kelty Hearts, loan from Falkirk), Jevan Beattie (Sheffield United), Sam Cleall-Harding (Dundee United), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Adam Forrester (Hearts), Mitchell Frame (Celtic), Luke Graham (Falkirk, loan from Dundee), Murray Johnson (Queen of the South, loan from Hibernian), Daniel Kelly (Millwall), Jack Kingdon (Manchester United), Liam McFarlane (East Fife, loan from Hearts), Harrison McMahon (Chelsea), Dire Mebude (Hamburger SV, loan from KVC Westerlo), Jeremiah Mullen (Dunfermline), Ryan One (Sheffield United), Dylan Reid (Crystal Palace), Bailey Rice (Rangers), Miller Thomson (Falkirk, loan from Dundee United), Bobby Wales (Kilmarnock), David Watson (Kilmarnock), James Wilson (Hearts).
