Debate Arises Over Lennon Miller’s Potential Inclusion in Scotland’s Senior Squad

Lennon Miller is scheduled to play for the Scotland Under-19s team against Wales today. However, a discussion has emerged regarding whether he ought to be part of Steve Clarke’s senior squad for the Nations League fixture against Croatia on Friday night. At the age of 18, Miller has already accumulated over 50 club appearances and is currently considered Scottish football’s most promising young talent. Scott McDermott, chief football writer for the Sunday Mail, is among those advocating for Miller’s swift promotion to the senior Scotland team. McDermott stated on the BBC’s Scottish football podcast, “He should have been involved in this squad.” He further elaborated, “I just think exposing him to that environment at a young age would have done him the world of good. Just bringing him in, having a look at him, having the other players see him in training as well, letting the boy know himself the standard that he’s got to get to.” McDermott also noted the scarcity of opportunities for new players, adding, “There’s not many friendly games in international football now so you don’t really get many opportunities to blood these guys.” Miller’s early involvement in first-team football stands out as an anomaly within contemporary Scottish football. A report published by the Scottish FA earlier this year indicated that Scottish clubs are not adequately developing and integrating young players. McDermott commented, “I do think it’s a cultural problem,” adding, “There does seem to be a fear about throwing young players in early.” He further explained the requirements for young players: “I think young players need two things. The first one is a given and that’s talent. The second one isn’t and that’s opportunity. These boys need a chance to play in first teams.” McDermott cited the example of Bailey Rice, who was a teammate of Miller’s in Motherwell’s academy several years ago and is now with Rangers. He noted that “If you ask most people, at that time Rice was on a par if not maybe even better than Miller.” McDermott then contrasted their current situations: “But look at the two of them now, the progress they’ve made. Rice, who’s been in and around the Rangers first team, has never quite had an opportunity. It feels like he’s playing catch-up now. So yeah, talent and opportunity.”