Scotland could be facing another tug of war with England after Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick revealed he will hold talks with midfielder Hayden Hackney about his international future.
The Boro midfielder was named in Scot Gemmill's Scotland Under 21 squad this week for their double-header with Sweden and Wales in Spain later this month. The 20-year-old has won praise this season for his performances in the English Championship and earned his first cap for Scotland during the 2-1 defeat to Iceland at Fir Park in November.
Scotland look set to lose highly-rated Newcastle United prospect Elliot Anderson to England, after he turned down Under 21s call-ups since he made his debut for Gemmill's side in a goalless draw in Belgium last summer. Hackney has previously represented England Under 15s and former Manchester United and 34-times capped Three Lions midfielder Carrick will speak with the youngster about his future plans.
Carrick said: "Of course, I’ll be here to help him and to guide him. It’s a very individual thing when it comes to who you want to play for, who you see yourself playing for, and where you see yourself with the ties with your family.
"That is a very individual thing, but of course, I’m here to speak to Hayden, or indeed any of the other boys, when they need it or think it might help them.
"Playing at Under 21s level can be important for a player’s development. I think any experience you can get as a young player is a good experience in terms of encountering different styles of football and taking on different challenges.
“I have to say that with Hayden, it’s been hugely impressive how he’s taken to every single challenge that he’s faced since I’ve been here. Off the back of his loan last season at Scunthorpe United, he’s improving all the time.
“He keeps his feet on the ground, and I get the impression that he’s the type that, whenever he faces a challenge, he’ll enjoy it and relish it. He’s really calm in everything he does.”
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