Scotland U21 Men Belgium Bound

Scotland U21 men's coach Craig Parnham has selected a 16-strong squad for his first overseas excursion with his new charges in a series of friendly matches against Belgium's U21 men.

The squad mixes regulars from last season's line up with newcomers making the step up from the U18s and some who are being considered for both squads.

Derek Salmond (Inverleith) and Michael Christie (Kelburne) return to U21 duty following their call up to the senior squad where they gained three caps each in the recent tour to Canada.

Two of the squad who were originally selected have since been ruled out for the trip; Ross Stott (Dundee Wanderers) has exam commitments while Colin McIver is out through injury.

'We are really looking forward to this training camp and the matches against the Belgian team. We have a number of young guys in the squad and are preparing for our long-term future, particularly for the Europeans in Gibraltar next year,ÔÇØ Parnham said.

ÔÇ£I am pleased with the composition of the squad as the younger players are balanced by some of our older athletes who can offer a bit more experience. This is a good opportunity for the younger players to familiarise themselves with the environment at Under 21 level and for the squad to gel.

'The Belgian team is a strong team but, like us, they are in a transitional phase with a number of their squad having moved up to the senior level. However, they are a bit further on in terms of their development as they are preparing for the Junior World Cup later this year. There should be some very good competitive games over the course of the weekend.'

Scotland U21 Men's Squad for Belgium
Craig Sutherland (Edinburgh Hockey Club)
David Guy (Edinburgh Hockey Club)
Duncan MacRae (Edinburgh University)
Glasgow Eastbank (Edinburgh University)
Steven Percy (Edinburgh University)
Brian Watt (Edinburgh University)
Fergus Dunn (Grange)
Colin Johnstone (Grange)
Graeme Campbell (Hillhead)
Christopher Halliday (Hillhead)
Adam MacKenzie (Inverleith)
Derek Salmond (Inverleith)
Cameron Scott (Inverleith)
Chris Reid (Inverleith)
Michael Christie (Kelburne)
William Marshall (Kelburne)
Gavin Tomlinson (Menzieshill)
Management Team
Coach: Craig Parnham
Manager: Duncan MacInnes
Assistant Coach: Dave Reid
Physio: Bob Ross