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Tuesday 9th September 2014

Ten of the best

Andrew Robertson made his Scotland debut as a Dundee United player last season and uncapped duo Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen) and Callum McGregor (Celtic) were in the squad for Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany in Dortmund.

Andrew Robertson made his Scotland debut as a Dundee United player last season and uncapped duo Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen) and Callum McGregor (Celtic) were in the squad for Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany in Dortmund.

So, who might be the next players from the SPFL to turn out in national colours? @nareystoepoker offers 10 suggestions...

Ryan Jack (Aberdeen)
A very competent right-back, which is where he often plays when captaining Scotland's U21s, Jack particularly excels in the heart of the Aberdeen midfield.  Derek McInnes has lauded his willingness to take responsibility in that area of the pitch.  Disciplined enough to play a holding role and protect the defence, but also mobile enough to press opponents or join attacks, he's well on his way to being "the complete midfielder", as his manager recently claimed.

Craig Wighton (Dundee)
There is an air of excitement surrounding this 17-year-old.  Best when playing between midfield and attack, Wighton's impressive skills are supplemented with a remarkable eye for a pass.  Paul Hartley is trying to use him sparingly at the moment, but surely it's only a matter of time before the temptation to play him every week becomes too great.  Wighton is already good enough for the top flight and, if he can improve his upper body strength to compensate for his diminutive stature, he could become a top player.

Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United)
Last year Armstrong was arguably overshadowed by talented team-mates Ryan Gauld and Andrew Robertson.  With both having left Tannadice, it's the midfielder's time to shine. In truth he was already a crucial cog in the team.  His engine is remarkable and lung-busting bursts are his specialty. But he isn't too shabby on the ball or in his defensive work either.  The description "all-action" is perfect.  It's surely only a matter of time before he becomes the latest Dundee United player to command a seven-figure fee.

Ziggy Gordon (Hamilton Accies)
Before now, Gordon had gone largely unnoticed because he was playing in the second tier for Accies. But, at 21, he's already accumulated 100 first-team appearances. Blessed with pace and a good touch for a right-back, his reading of the game has improved considerably over the last year.  He hasn't looked out of place at Premiership level, and playing stronger opposition will only make him better.  But he may choose to look elsewhere for caps - he qualifies for Poland through his mother.

Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT)
The oldest player on this list, left-back Shinnie can also do a job on the opposite flank or in central midfield.  He has improved dramatically in the last 18 months, becoming more defensively solid as well and more dangerous in an attacking sense.  His athleticism is outstanding - the only thing that might hold him back from a cap is the emergence of Andrew Robertson.  It would be a surprise if a much bigger club didn't take a chance on him when his contract runs out in the summer.

Craig Slater (Kilmarnock)
Slater has come a long way since he was released by St Mirren in 2012.  Given a chance by Kenny Shiels, he hasn't looked back and forced his way into Allan Johnston's team last season.  Neat and tidy in possession, he's one of a crop of young Scots who look comfortable on the ball. And, as demonstrated on the opening day of the campaign, he has some dead-ball expertise as well.  It wouldn't be a surprise to see him emulate former Killie favourite Craig Bryson.

John McGinn (St Mirren)
Some would suggest fellow Buddie Kenny McLean should be on this list, but McGinn, the youngest of three brothers who have played for St Mirren, certainly deserves to be.  Fans in Paisley have long raved about his range of passing with both feet.  That left foot in particular is lethal and he's scored some cracking goals with it. He isn't afraid of a midfield scrap either.  A subject of bids from down south last season, interest is unlikely to diminish.

Callum Paterson (Hearts)
Still in his teens, Paterson has already played in just about every single outfield position for Hearts, more often than not on the right flank or up front.  But right-back is his preferred role, and when he was used there regularly in the last few weeks of last season the results were spectacular.  He's quick for a tall, strong young man and offers an aerial threat at set-pieces.  His versatility is bound to serve him well in the future.

Sam Nicholson (Hearts)
Nicholson was one of the several youths at Tynecastle who responded positively to first-team experience last year. A tricky winger who can do damage on either flank, his confidence in his own ability is refreshing. He's always willing to try and beat his man, and unafraid to shoot from distance, as Hibs found to their cost in the recent Edinburgh derby.  And he's only 19. This is one special kid.

Lewis Macleod (Rangers)
The energetic, yet technically gifted 20-year-old is a real talent.  A regular in central midfield in 2012-13, his appearances last season were limited by a long absence due to illness. He's bounced back quickly, though, and is a prize asset for the club. Offers a goal threat, too, having netted four times already this season.