Scot Gemmill has welcomed Athletic Bilbao’s Ewan Urain to their new Scotland Under-21 squad for next month’s friendlies against Northern Ireland.

The 21-year-old forward was born in Spain and plays for the Basque club’s B team but qualifies for Scotland thanks to his mother.

Gemmill has named a 24-man squad for the games, with only Brian Kinnear, Lewis Mayo and Glenn Middleton remaining from the previous team nominated in October 2020.

Asked how long Urain had been on the Scottish radar before his first call-up, Gemmill said: “In the last 12 months his eligibility had to be confirmed and again it depends on his performance.

“He plays at a very good level, in a club which is historically very strong academically.

“I spoke to him, he is in the process of signing a new long term contract and that gives real confidence to select him and we are looking forward to working with him and giving him the opportunity to come and get involved in the team. . “

Others called up were Hibernian left-back Josh Doig, Celtic center-back Stephen Welsh and Liverpool defender Tom Clayton.

The matches will take place behind closed doors in Dumbarton on Wednesday June 2 and Saturday June 5.