Rangers youngster Findlay Curtis could get Scotland promotion as phone call looms

Rangers' Findlay Curtis could return to the senior Scotland squad this week.

The winger was demoted to Scotland's Under-21 squad after not being selected by new boss Sebastien Pocognoli.

The 20-year-old is fighting hard for his place at Ibrox, as Derek McInnes was keen to keep him in the squad this season.

Curtis' performances for Kilmarnock in the second half of last season caught the eye of Steve Clarke, who brought the forward to the World Cup in the summer.

However, Pocognoli's appointment gives the young man a new test, which he may just have passed.

Curtis was the standout performer in Scotland U21s' 5-2 thrashing of Azerbaijan on Wednesday, and the Rangers man could soon get back into the mix for the senior squad.

Sebastien Pocognoli phone call looms after 'outstanding' Findlay Curtis display

Scotland's U21s beat Azerbaijan 5-2, with Curtis at the heart of a strong performance.

The winger registered a whopping four assists, while Auchenhowie prospect Kyle Glasgow came on to make his debut.

Tony Docherty was best pleased with the attitude of Curtis and other players in the match, but was particularly full of praise for the Rangers forward.

After the game, he said, as quoted by The Scotsman: "Curtis was outstanding, and there were so many really strong performances, with Tyler Fletcher great in the middle of the park too. Their attitude was great, and we have a leadership group now."

He was then asked if Curtis and James Wilson, who also had a strong performance, could be recalled by Pocognoli ahead of the Tartan Army's clash against North Macedonia in the Nations League on Saturday.

Docherty replied: "Possibly. I’ll speak with Sebastien tomorrow in the morning. But Alan Irvine was here watching the game with Chris Woods, and they’ll have seen a strong performance."

Why Pocognoli may have initially snubbed Curtis

Pocognoli has not had the dream start to life as Scotland boss.

The Tartan Army drew their opening Nations League match 0-0 against Slovenia, before suffering a 3-0 home loss to Switzerland on Tuesday.

But what doesn't help Curtis is the fact that Pocognoli likes to play with wing-backs, as Andy Robertson currently occupies the position on the left-hand side of the team.

It will be hard for Curtis to break into the starting eleven unless there is a formation change, but that doesn't look likely right now.

Either way, he could very well be recalled to the senior side, and will hope to make an impact off the bench against North Macedonia.