Scott Robinson still in U-21 contention, says Billy Stark

SCOTLAND coach Billy Stark today advised Hearts midfielder Scott Robinson not to be disheartened by his ongoing omission from the Under-21 squad. Stark said the 20-year-old can still be part of the plans for the 2015 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers if he becomes more consistent.

Robinson has been overlooked for next week’s friendlies with USA and Canada in Marbella despite being a first-team regular at Hearts. Younger colleagues Jason Holt and Dale Carrick are in the Scotland squad, with Holt having only managed 26 minutes of senior football all season. Stark insisted Robinson is being monitored and has not been ruled out. He expects changes to the squad as players continue to develop and said there is no reason why Robinson cannot force his way into the reckoning next year.

“Scott was one of our Under-19s and midfield is a really strong area of the pitch for us. We are continually monitoring Scott,” Stark told the Evening News. “Stuart Armstrong, 
Kenny McLean, Fraser Fyvie, Rhys McCabe and Jason Holt are all in that position and there is a lot of competition. Armstrong, McLean and McCabe were involved in the last campaign and you like to get a bit of continuity with boys who have previous experience.

“If Scott can be more consistent then he will have a chance. You always have to allow for a lack of consistency with young players. You expect that, particularly with middle to front players. It’s very difficult for creative players to be consistent week in and week out. Scott shouldn’t be disheartened. Once or twice he’s been in our thoughts for selection and he’s been injured, so sometimes it’s just timing. Nobody is ruled out.”