Thursday 16th October, 2025 at 3:59pm
Ben McPherson and Sean McArdle missed the weekend’s trip to Cappielow because they were away on international duty with their respective Scotland age groups – read below how they fared while playing for their country:
BEN MCPHERSON
Right-back Ben McPherson was involved as a substitute in the Under 21s’ two action-packed EURO qualifying fixtures against Gibraltar and Azerbaijan.
He was brought on at half-time against the Gibraltarians with the score already at 7-0 and he had an assist to his name just two and a half minutes later as his cross found its way to James Wilson who tapped home from close range to complete a hat trick. The game finished 12-0 at Dens Park.
Ben was used off the bench again in Tuesday’s away game against Azerbaijan when he was introduced in the 93rd minute, shortly after ten-man Scotland had equalised to make it 3-3 and subsequently been reduced to nine. His cameo helped to ensure Scot Gemmill’s team brought a point back home with them.
On top of the match action, the 20-year-old also got the unique opportunity to train with Steve Clarke’s senior squad ahead of their World Cup qualifying fixture against Greece last week.
SEAN MCARDLE
Sean’s international break was spent in Italy as Scotland’s Under 19s contested a friendly double-header against their Italian counterparts.
The first meeting finished 1-1 with McArdle coming on in the 73rd minute and he was handed a start in the second fixture, playing 67 minutes as the young Azzurri claimed a 1-0 victory.
