After defeat at Tynecastle last week, Scotland U21s go again against Malta.
Scot Gemmill’s side were edged out by a talented Spanish outfit in Gorgie, going down 2-1 in the capital. That defeat leaves them third in Group B, six points behind Spain and three behind Belgium, who beat Kazakhstan 2-0 earlier today. So a win against the group whipping boys is vital to keep the young Scots in touch with the top two.
They can take encouragement from the fact that last Friday was their first defeat of the campaign, although it appears Spain are out on their own to win it unless Belgium can do everyone else a favour. A win away from home would be one for the books if Scotland can manage it, but a goalless draw with Hungary earlier in the campaign is starting to look costly. Rangers kid Leon King is set to miss out. He suffered a knock against Spain and withdrew from the squad, Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for Gemmill’s boys.
They nearly slipped up against Malta just under a year ago. An Alex Lowry penalty was cancelled out with a spot kick of their own for the Maltese, and it took a late winner from now Hibs hitman Kieron Bowie to secure all three points at Fir Park.
You can watch all the action live in the video player at the top of this article.