Bengaluru, March 10: Manchester United academy product Scott Mctominay could make his international debut with Scotland during the forthcoming international break as Scottish boss Alex McLeish has declared the player will be included in the squad. Mctominay burst onto the scene this season and has been a regular member in the Manchester United first team under Jose Mourinho. The United academy graduate even managed to start a few games ahead of experienced players like Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick.
The England-born midfielder, whose father and grandparents are Scottish, was in a dilemma over whether to represent England or Scotland for the last couple of months. However, it has emerged that Mctominay ultimately chose his father's side following talks with Scotland boss McLeish and made the decision to represent Scotland instead of Three Lions. McTominay has never been capped before at any age bracket.
Manchester United's Scott Mctominay has opted to play for Scotland ahead of England. Alex McLeish met player last week. Will be named in Scotland squad this week re friendly matches v CR and Hungary.
— Raman Bhardwaj (@STVRaman) March 4, 2018
Now, ahead of Scotland's friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary on March 23 and March 27, McLeish has confirmed that the Manchester United midfielder will be in Scotland's squad and could also make his debut in those matches.
"He will be in the squad," McLeish said, told Sky Sports. "I don't think that's the world's best kept secret at this particular moment.
"Scott was very receptive. I looked him in the eye and he gave me passion about playing for Scotland. I saw the passion and I really felt that we had nailed it that day.
"He was born in England and sounds like he's English so I'm not sure how having a Scottish father is a stronger reason than where you are from." 🏴
— Sky Sports MNF (@SkySportsMNF) March 5, 2018
Charlie Nicholas surprised by Scott McTominay's decision to represent Scotland: https://t.co/T8E5gjFZxV pic.twitter.com/QFNhMGm1J7
"Of course he has to play a competitive game but if we can get him playing in the friendlies, he can see what it's all about.
"We can hopefully have some good performances. Obviously winning is the big thing and then Scott can be a part of it.
"He's had some great games with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. He's only 21, he's not got all the answers -- I'm 59, at my last count, and I've not got all the answers but hopefully he'll get more right than wrong."
Mctominay has made 16 appearances in all competitions, including 10 starts, for United, this season. He is yet to score a goal for them.