Elliot Anderson has Scotland door open despite omission as Ben Doak Liverpool form puts him 'ahead of schedule'

Scot Gemmill insists the Scotland U21 door remains open for England target Elliot Anderson despite the Newcastle wonder kid remaining unavailable for selection ahead of friendlies against Sweden and Wales.

Gemmill named his latest squad for this month’s double header yesterday with Anderson’s name notable by its absence. The 20-year-old has been capped by both Scotland and England as he progressed through the youth ranks. But despite making his U21 debut for Gemmill’s side against Belgium last summer the Whitley Bay-born playmaker is still wanted by the Three Lions.

Anderson has made 16 appearances for Eddie Howe’s Magpies this season including his first Premier League start against Liverpool last month. He withdrew from Gemmill’s squad for November’s friendly defeat to Iceland and asked not to be selected until he settled on his international future. And the boss said yesterday: “Nothing has changed with regards to Elliot. The door is still open for him.”

Anderson’s solitary Scotland U21 cap renders him cup-tied for the Three Lions at this summer’s European Championship but he would be available to play in any friendlies before the start of the next qualifying campaign in September.

Meanwhile, Gemmill respects Mikey Johnston’s decision to switch allegiance to Ireland - but says he could never have made the same call as a youngster waiting for his big Scotland breakthrough. The Celtic winger - on loan at Portuguese side Vitoria - said he was “delighted” to declare for his grandfather’s country after the switch was green lighted by FIFA this week.

Gemmill handed Johnston three Scotland U21 caps and said: "It's obviously Mikey's decision. In my opinion, I would find it very difficult to do that, I grew up dreaming of