Why Rangers teen Findlay Curtis' Scotland future is not as simple as U21 demotion suggests

Rangers ace Findlay Curtis will no doubt be reeling after his demotion from the senior Scotland squad.

The 20-year-old made his international debut against Japan in March and was then called up to Steve Clarke's squad for the World Cup.

The Ibrox gem featured for a total of just eight minutes in football's premier competition, despite scoring in the pre-tournament friendly against Curacao.

He was initially named in new Tartan Army boss Sebastian Pocognoli's squad for the UEFA Nations League matches.

The Scots will face Slovenia twice, plus Switzerland and North Macedonia in the extended international break, but Curtis is unlikely to play a part.

He has technically been demoted to Tony Docherty's Under-21 side, although there is still a chance that he could play for the senior side.

What has happened to Findlay Curtis with Scotland?

A report from Rangers Review on Thursday claimed that Curtis will fly back home to join Docherty's squad, but it is not as simple as suggested.

It states that Curtis and Hearts prospect James Wilson, who suffered the same fate, are still considered part of Pocognoli's squad.

It is understood that they can rejoin the side throughout the break.

However, it is preferred for them to get regular game time with the Under-21s, rather than being unused with the senior team.

How has Curtis performed for Rangers - is 'demotion' justified?

Curtis has been on the fringes under Derek McInnes, given the Gers' signings this summer.

They signed the likes of Badredine Bouanani, Daisuke Yokota and Minsu Kim, with Djeidi Gassama also starting the campaign in hot form.

The Auchenhowie star has featured for 392 minutes of a possible 630 in the Scottish Premiership, with no goal contributions to his name in that limited time.

He also featured in the Bears' Europa League qualifiers with Jagiellonia, and the Europa Conference League qualifiers with Jablonec, for a total of 155 minutes.

Therefore, it is perhaps not a surprise that he has been sent to the Under-21s at national team level, because he is not enjoying the same form that earned him the original call-up.

There is no doubt that he can bounce back, and get into the type of form that secure his break at the highest level, but right now he is not there.