ROSS MCCRORIE admits it was a ‘privilege and an honour’ to lead the Scotland Under-21s to victory over Holland this week.
The Scots followed up a 3-0 win against Andorra with an impressive performance in Doetinchem to keep their European Championship dreams alive.
Scot Gemmill’s side also overcame their Dutch counterparts on home soil last year and midfielder McCrorie was delighted to play his part on a historic night.
He said: “It was great for me and a privilege and an honour to be named as the captain of the under-21s, and that’s me been the captain of all the age groups I have been involved in for Scotland.
“That topped it off, and I was extremely happy with it. We obviously got the results to go with it too, especially in the second game.
“We were looking for the two victories as it keeps us right in among it for qualifying.
“Andorra were hard to break down and had the full team behind the ball, but we got there eventually.
“We played some good combinations and used the width of the pitch quite a lot, and that worked well for us.
“Then in Holland, the boys were different class. Holland are a great team, but that’s us beaten them twice now.
“We beat them last year in Paisley in the same competition and then beat them again. It just shows the talent we have in our team.
“We have big games coming up against Ukraine and England, and we maybe need a few favours from other teams, but if we can go and get the two victories, then I think we will be pretty safe.”
McCrorie has become the role model to follow for the next generation of Ibrox kids after establishing himself in the Light Blues first team squad.
Youngsters Stephen Kelly and Matthew Shiels have committed their futures to the Gers for another three years.
And Head of Academy Craig Mulholland is confident the Auchenhowie colts can make the most of their chance to shine.
He told RangersTV: “Stephen and Matthew have been great over the past couple of years and they thoroughly deserve their extension to their contract. What I think is significant, though, is they are both delighted to be signing for Rangers.
“They can see a pathway which has developed at the club.
“The manager has clearly shown he is desperate to play young players if they are good enough and they do well, while Mark Allen in his role as Director of Football is making sure that pathway exists.
“There has probably never been a more exciting time to be a young Rangers player in terms of opportunity, and I am sure these guys will grab that opportunity over the next few years.”
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