SCOTLAND finished fourth in the Toulon Tournament after losing out on penalties to Turkey in a play-off in Martigues.
Scot Gemmill’s side had reached the semi-finals of the prestigious French youth event for the second year in a row after topping a group containing hosts France, South Korea and Togo before losing out to England 3-1 in the last four.
It meant they had to play a third and fourth place play-off yesterday and could only get a goalless draw with the Turks after Chelsea kid Harvey St Clair missed a spot kick in the second half.
And there was more penalty misery in the resulting shoot-out when Scotland’s most expensive ever player, Oliver Burke, missed his effort and the Turks netted all five of their kicks.
Gemmill had promised he would use a much-changed line-up and he made eight chances to the side that lost to the Auld Enemy, meaning only three players – Kilmarnock duo Greg Taylor and Iain Wilson and St Johnstone stopper Jason Kerr had started every game in Provence.
Highly-rated Chelsea prospect Billy Gilmour had already made history last week when he became Scotland’s youngest scorer for the Under 21s when he netted against South Korea and the 16-year-old became their youngest captain too, when he put on the armband after replacing Taylor in the second half.
Boss Gemmill said: “It wasn’t pre-planned to give Billy the armband. But it’s great for him and he’s had a really good tournament.
“We speak about players taking their opportunities when they come around. It’s hard to get them and it’s important they take them if they do – and he’s certainly done that.”
Scotland were awarded a penalty after a marvellous piece of skill from St Clair when he drove into the box and dragged the ball back before he was tripped by Mucahit Akcay en route to goal.
However, St Clair’s weak penalty was turned around the post by Bayindir to ensure the game finished goalless.
Gemmill said: “We played well and if we’d taken the penalty it’s job done. Harvey takes them for his club and takes them well. I’ve watched him practise them all week.”
Mikey Johnston, Gilmour and Everton’s Fraser Hornby all netted in the shoot-out, but Burke saw his effort saved.
There was some consolation for the Scottish youngsters as the awards were given out, with Gilmour awarded Revelation of the Tournament, while Celtic’s
Johnston took third-best player and the team picked up the Fair Play prize.
Meanwhile, England Under-21s came from behind to beat Mexico and secure their third successive title.
After a successful summer for the England age groups in 2017, the Young Lions continued to show their ability in tournament football with a 2-1 win.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side came from behind to beat Scotland in the semi-final and did the same yesterday after Roberto Alvarado put Mexico in front inside 80 seconds.
Dael Fry drew them level and Kieran Dowell completed the turnaround as England completed a hat-trick of Toulon successes.
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