Scotland v Azerbaijan UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (7:30pm kick-off, UK time) BBSP Rugby Park, Kilmarnock
A new era kicks off in Kilmarnock this Wednesday as Tony Docherty takes charge of the Scotland Men’s Under-21 team for the first time. With just two fixtures left in Scotland’s European Championship Qualifying campaign, they remain in the hunt for qualification to the play-offs in Group B.
The squad will then face Bulgaria in the city of Pazardzhik on the banks of Maritsa River in what could be a final day showdown at Stadium Georgi Benkovski on Tuesday 6 October, 5:30pm kick off.
Tickets to BBSP Rugby Park can be purchased here, with SSC Members going free.
The young Scots struggled last time out against a strong Portugal side in Estoril, but battled to a 3-3 draw against their upcoming opponents in a chaotic game in Baku back in October last year.
The Scots require Czechia to pick up no more than a draw in their final two fixtures as they face Bulgaria and Portugal, coupled with a pair of wins to have any chance of progression to the play-offs.
Team News
Tony Docherty has a strong collection of players to choose from the squad he named last week and also has James Wilson and Findlay Curtis to call upon after their move over from the Men’s A-Squad. Kristi Montgomery made the move the other way, and Rory Wilson withdrew from the squad due to injury.
Tyler Fletcher, fresh from his World Cup experience is back in the Under-21s squad, joined by Manchester United team-mate Daniel Armer for the first time.
There is a strong St. Mirren connection in the squad as Ryan Carr is joined by Louis Jackson and Henry Fieldson who make their first appearance in the squad.
As we head to Kilmarnock for the first time since 2008, we’ll also see Bobby Wales return to his former club as he returns to the 21s set-up.
Pre-match thoughts
Since moving North of the border in the summer to join St. Mirren, midfielder Ryan Carr has been an almost ever-present in Craig McLeish’s new look Buddies. We caught up with him to talk through a whirlwind 12 months.
He said; “It’s been a year I’ve learned a lot in, the main thing I’ve learned is about going and taking opportunities. Coming up to Scotland and signing for St. Mirren and starting the season how we have, it’s been great. Everything happens for a reason and that’s what I’ve believed in my career and definitely in the last 12 months.”
“I was at Ipswich at the time and got a phone call from my agent telling me he needed my Mum’s birth certificate! I was just thinking ‘What’s this for?’ but he explained that someone had dropped out and the manager wants you in the 21s squad, it all just happened really quickly.”
“I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the squad again. We’ve got a great group, and the past squads have been really good and enjoyable and I know this one will be too. I’m really looking forward to working with the new manager and coaches, and representing Scotland again.”
How to Watch
Both of Scotland’s qualifiers will be streamed live on the Scotland National Team Youtube Channel.
Scotland Men's Under-21 Squad
Goalkeepers Ruairidh Adams (Dundee United – on loan to Airdrieonians) Rory Mahady (Leeds United) Liam McFarlane (Heart of Midlothian – on loan to Partick Thistle) Defenders Connor Allan (Falkirk) Dylan Lobban (Aberdeen – on loan to Dunfermline Ath.) Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen (Wigan Athletic) Sam Cleall-Harding (Dundee United – on loan to Dunfermline Ath.) Mitchel Frame (Aberdeen) Ben McPherson (Partick Thistle) Henry Fieldson (St. Mirren) Daniel Armer (Manchester United) Josh Feeney (Aston Villa – On loan to Peterborough United) Louis Jackson (St. Mirren) Taylor Steven (St. Johnstone) Midfielders Ryan Carr (St. Mirren) Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United) Findlay Curtis (Rangers) Daniel Kelly (Millwall) Aidan Borland (Aston Villa – on loan to Accrington Stanley) Andrew Tod (Dunfermline Athletic) Forwards Dire Mebude (Çaykur Rizespor) Emilio Lawrence (Manchester City - on loan to Luton Town) Barney Stewart (West Bromwich Albion) Bobby Wales (Swansea City – on loan to Dundee) Sam Chambers – (Leeds United – on loan to Northampton Town) Kyle Glasgow (Rangers – on loan to Alloa Athletic) James Wilson (Heart of Midlothian)
Tickets
Tickets are still available for Scotland's home match against Czechia which kicks off at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 30 September and they can be purchased here.
