Rangers’ winger Findlay Curtis produced a standout display for Scotland Under-21s on Wednesday night, with Tony Docherty singling out the Ibrox youngster for particular praise following a 5-2 victory over Azerbaijan.
Curtis was involved in all five of Scotland's goals at Rugby Park, registering four assists as the young Scots responded emphatically despite already knowing that their hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Under-21 Championship had ended due to Czechia’s win over Bulgaria earlier in the evening.
It was an outstanding individual contribution from the Rangers attacker, who was one of several players called into the Under-21 squad after being made available by Scotland senior boss Sebastien Pocognoli.
Docherty praises Curtis
Docherty, taking charge of the Under-21 side for the first time after replacing Scot Gemmil, revealed that Curtis had played a key role beyond his contribution in the final third.
The Scotland boss explained that he had created a small leadership group around Curtis and Hearts striker James Wilson, with the pair helping set the tone for the rest of the squad.
“I came back with those two, with James and Findlay and we created a wee leadership group, and they’ve been instrumental,” Docherty said.
“The attitude and the togetherness of the squad has been brilliant.”
For Rangers supporters, it was the praise for Curtis specifically which will stand out.
“Curtis was outstanding and there were so many really strong performances with Tyler Fletcher great in the middle of the park too,” he added.
“Their attitude was great and we have a leadership group now.”
Rangers watch on with pride
That will be particularly encouraging for Rangers, with Curtis continuing to make a name for himself at international level while attempting to establish himself in Derek McInnes' first-team plans at Ibrox.
The 20-year-old, who appeared for former Scotland boss Steve Clarke at the World Cup’s performance was made even more impressive by the circumstances surrounding the match.
Scotland had already been eliminated from contention before kick-off, meaning the squad had to find the motivation to finish their campaign strongly.
Docherty was delighted with the response from his players.
“They deserve huge credit, because the easiest thing could have been to be a bit petulant, that sort of thing,” he said.
“They’ve done themselves massive favours.”
A return to the senior Scotland squad
The Scotland boss also confirmed that Curtis and Wilson could potentially return to the senior squad for the upcoming Nations League fixture against North Macedonia.
Docherty is due to speak with Pocognoli, with Scotland assistant Alan Irvine and former Gers goalkeeper Chris Woods, now with the national team, having watched the Under-21 victory from the stands.
“Possibly. I’ll speak with Sebastien tomorrow in the morning,” Docherty responded.
“But Alan Irvine was here watching the game with Chris Woods, and they’ll have seen a strong performance. Not just that, they have seen these lads display a brilliant attitude.”
Curtis could therefore emerge from this international break with more than just the confidence that comes from directly contributing to five goals.
He has also earned public recognition from his Under-21 manager for his leadership, attitude and mentality.
After an evening in which Curtis helped Scotland dismantle Azerbaijan, the youngster has certainly given McInnes and the senior Scotland set-up plenty to think about.
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