Stark promotes English-based stars

30 July 2010 17:01

Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark has promoted several English-based players for next month's friendly against Sweden.

Blackburn defender Grant Hanley, Hull midfielder Tom Cairney and Newcastle midfielder Bradden Inman will all make the step-up from under-19 level for the August 11 clash at St Mirren Park. The uncapped Danny Wilson is also in the squad following his £2million-plus move from Rangers to Liverpool while Ibrox goalkeepers Grant Adam and Scott Gallacher both make the pool along with Celtic midfielder James Forrest.

Stark said: "They have all performed well for us at under-19s. They are all at different levels for their clubs, but first-team level in England is a pretty high standard."

Dumfries-born Hanley is just 18 but made his first-team debut for Rovers in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in May.

Nottingham-born Cairney, whose father is Scottish, has made 11 appearances for Hull and the 19-year-old scored in a Barclays Premier League defeat by Everton in March.

Inman was born in Adelaide but has a Scottish mother and is sticking with Scotland despite persistent interest from his native country.

Stark said: "He scored late on for the under-19s against Belgium and scored in the qualifiers against Austria.

"I know the Australians are chasing him hard and there's nothing we can do about that. We can only progress him as quickly as we can, on merit.

"He's a smashing boy and he gives you the impression he's enjoying it."

Source: PA