Ben Doak's Scotland graduation just a matter of time as Scot Gemmill makes Wayne Rooney comparison

Scot Gemmill was at Everton when Wayne Rooney exploded onto the scene at Goodison at the age of 16 back in 2002.

A mile across Stanley Park, Ben Doak is a year older and playing for Liverpool – but Scotland U21 boss Gemmill sees similarities. Exciting similarities. He sees a boy built like a man. He sees a teenager with frightening pace and ability as well as the mentality to carry the fight to the opposition that is going to take him to the very top of the game.

The Anfield winger and former Celtic academy kid came very close to making Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad this week but has been selected for the U21s, who face Spain in the opening game of the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign on September 11. Selfishly, Gemmill is delighted about that but he knows he won’t have the kid, who has already won three caps at that level, for long.

No, any player who is good enough to get into Jurgen Klopp’s plans three months before he turns 18 is heading for Clarke’s squad sooner rather than later. And Gemmill is genuinely thrilled about it.

Qualifying for tournaments at U21 level has eluded Scotland since 1996, incredibly. But providing a pathway to the full team is the priority and with the likes of Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson firmly embedded in Clarke’s squad, it’s a well worn road that Doak will walk soon enough.

“Ben opted not be with the 21s in summer because he wanted to prepare for Liverpool’s pre-season,” Gemmill said. “He listened to his body and knew he needed a significant rest in the summer and he has gone back to Liverpool fully focused and fit, stronger, faster and more determined than ever.

“It’s really exciting to see a player have that ambition and mentality. I was lucky enough to