Double celebration hope for Scotland under-21 captain Ross McCrorie

Skipper Ross McCrorie is determined to bow out from Under-21 duty by leading Scotland to their first European Championship in a generation and hopes for a national double.

Ross McCrorie in action for Scotland during the UEFA Euro Under-21 qualifier match between Scotland and Lithuania at Tynecastle (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group / SFA)

Steve Clarke's senior squad have their own date with destiny with their Euro 2020 play-off against Serbia kicking-off just a few hours after the Under-21s face the Croatians at Tynecastle.

And McCrorie would love to make it a double dose of delight for the Tartan Army.

He said: "Both teams have got a really good chance and it would be really good for the country if we could both make it through after a few negative years when we haven't managed to qualify for so long.

"It would be a massive boost for the country. It's a massive game on Thursday. Croatia would be tough enough but the circumstances with both teams vying for qualification, we both know whoever wins will take a big step towards that."

The Aberdeen midfielder - who turned 22 earlier this year - will be granted one last hurrah if he and his team-mates can pick up the two wins they need to guarantee a place at next summer's finals in Hungary and Slovenia when they face Croatia on Thursday and Greece next week.

Scotland last reached the finals of the Under-21s Euros back in 1996 and McCrorie would love to become the first captain in more than two decades to march the Scots out at a major tournament.

He said: "I think for the vast majority of us this will be our last attempt to qualify. I don't think any of us were even born the last time we qualified so this is a huge opportunity.

"It would be massive for me if I could captain Scotland to a tournament. Everyone would be absolutely delighted if we could manage it.

"It's been a long haul, I think this campaign has been going on about 18 months because of the coronavirus. So given the circumstances it would be absolutely huge if we could make it."

Scot Gemmil’s side meet Croatia at 3pm at Tynecastle before the senior men face Serbia in Belgrade at 7.45pm.

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