Karamoko Dembele has dealt Scotland a blow by choosing the Three Lions over the Lion Rampant.
The Celtic starlet is understood to have told the SFA he will play for England and not Scotland after a monumental tug of war between the two associations.
The 16-year-old Parkhead prodigy has famously played for both Scotland and England Under 16s and Under 17s as he's eligible for both nations and helped Scotland Under 16s to a 2-0 win against the Auld Enemy two years ago.
But he has now chosen to focus on playing for England. And SFA bosses have reluctantly conceded defeat in their battle to persuade him to play for the country where he has been raised and schooled.
Dembele is one of the hottest young talents in Scotland and his rise since breaking onto the scene as a 13-year-old in an Under 20 match three years ago has been meterioc.
It culminated in his first tea debut against Hearts at the end of last season and the talented teen has been linked with PSG, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
French publication L'Equipe named him as one of six kids in their 'the wonders of European football' series.
Dembele scored for England Under 17s in a 1-1 friendly draw with Spain this week and also featured against Germany.
The Hoops starlet is also eligible to represent the Ivory Coast and can still change his mind - giving Scotland hope that he may yet nail his mast to the navy blue before he wins a full competitive cap.
