While Scotland’s under-21 side may have suffered the heartbreak of missing out on a first European Championships since 1996, the emergence of several teenage talents in the 12 months means Tartan Army fans have plenty to be excited about in the years to come.
With Steve Clarke injecting youth in his Scotland senior squad recently, fans have seen the likes of Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak and Middlesbrough hotshot Tommy Conway make a genuine impact on the national team, with supporters pondering which teenage talent could be the next to break into the Scotland starting XI.
Doak has been the biggest breakthrough in the last 12 month, with the forward flourishing since being handed his maiden Scotland call up last summer. The ex-Celtic academy ace has spent the first-half of the season on loan to EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough, but has already been subject of two £16million bids from EPL side Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, such is his enormous potential. But which teenager will be the next to follow him into the limelight?
Here are the 17 teenage talents we’re tipping to have a breakout year in 2025.
5. Rory Wilson - Aston Villa
Snatched from the Rangers youth team by Villa in 2022, Wilson is earning rave reviews and is still just 19. Scored 11 goals in just seven games for the Midlands under-19 side last year, and has stepped up to their under-21 squad this term, where he has featured (and scored) in the UEFA Youth League. | SNS Group / SFA Photo: SNS Group
6. Bobby Wales - Kilmarnock
The pacey forward has attracted interest from abroad and in England after breaking into the Kilmarnock first team this year. A spell on loan at Alloa aided his development, where the 19-year-old striker scored 12 league goals, and Wales will hope to become a regular starter at Killie in the next year. Definitely a one to keep an eye on. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Daniel Cummings - Celtic
Has yet to feature for the Celtic first team, but his impending contract expiry coupled with his form in the Hoops B team has saw him linked to a host of top clubs, including Club Brugge, Sunderland, Fulham, Bologna, Fulham, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Burnley. The 18-year-old goal-getter has been in prolific form at youth level this season, bagging 23 goals across all competitions | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Aidan Borland - Aston Villa
The former Celtic academy player made a strong impression on his Aston Villa debut in the Carabao Cup game against Wycombe Wanderers, with some fans even comparing his style to Real Madrid icon Luka Modric. The Midlands outfit have high hopes for the 17-year-old, who looks to be a real talent despite his tender years. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images