Scot Gemmill says Scotland now have a factory line of fearless kids with the bottle to compete against the best in the business.
The Under-21 boss goes into Friday’s clash with Greece at Tynecastle looking to see his side stay top of their Euro 2021 qualifying group.
Two wins and two draws have fuelled belief this squad can be the first to reach the finals since 1996.
Gemmill is adamant a mentality change and the rise of starlets like Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour is helping them meet every challenge.
He said: “I know from my experience working with the best young players in the country that the mentality has improved.
“They have a belief when they go to play at the younger age groups. They’re not intimidated by anyone.
“They take confidence from the preparation that all the national teams use.
“They are all aligned in how they prepare for games.
“The behaviour of the players, individually and collectively, has improved.
“The players have taken confidence from the performances and they have progressed. I worked with a lot of the boys at Under-17 level, and the nucleus of the squad have experience of international football.
“The players are willing to do the work to show they can be trusted.”
Gemmill says former Rangers kid Gilmour is an example of youngsters being able to cope with high expectations, and develop good discipline and habits.
He said: “I don’t get to see the players that much off the pitch so I don’t really see how they live their lives away from football.
“You have to trust them, but the pathway they are on is constantly testing them.
“The changes in Billy’s life have been huge, in terms of signing for Chelsea and moving to London.
“It is a huge testament to him what he has achieved, and other players as well.
“They might not be under the same scrutiny as Billy, but they have remained on the right track.
“They don’t get distracted by off-the-field things. Historically that hasn’t been the case with the best young players.”
