Scotland Under 21s outclassed by Portugal as Youssef Chermiti starts and Tyler Fletcher debuts

Head coach Scot Gemmill made four changes to the side that were held to a disappointing goalless draw with Czech Republic at Dens Park on Friday as Ryan One spearheaded the attack.

Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti led the line for the Portuguese but had a quiet evening in front of goal until he was replaced in the 58th minute.

It was Roger Fernandes who put the Group B leaders ahead just before half-time when he got in front of his marker and dispatched high beyond goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams from Daniel Banjaqui’s deflected low cross.

Highly-rated Banjaqui went from provider to goalscorer just before half-time by rifling a low shot across Adams to crown a memorable debut at this level for the 18-year-old.

Manchester United youngster Taylor Fletcher - the son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher - was brought off the bench at half-time to make his Scotland Under-21 debut. However, Goncalo Moreira settled the contest in the hosts favour in the 54th minute following good work from Carlos Forbs on the right.

Fletcher came closing to pulling a goal back in a rare Scotland chance, but his shot was tipped around the post by Portuguese keeper Carvalho.

The defeat leaves Scotland still in third in the group, three points behind the Czech Republic. However, the second-placed Czechs, who are five points off Portugal, have a game in hand. The group winners advance to next year’s tournament in Albania and Serbia, while the second-placed teams go into a play-off.

Scotland: Ruaridh Adams (GK), Dylan Lobban, Luke Graham, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, Connor Allan (56, Sam Cleall-Harding), Mitchel Frame, Kyle Ure, David Watson (45, Tyler Fletcher), Ryan Carr (80, Emilio Lawrence), Taylor Steven (66, James Wilson), Ryan Oné (56, Barney Stewart).