Stark hopes for a Scotland Under-21 boost from Russell

SCOTLAND Under-21 manager Billy Stark hopes Johnny Russell’s international promotion can inspire his team-mates ahead of their qualifier against Bulgaria.

Russell was facing his third flight in two days today after being called up to the Scotland squad for the friendly in the United States.

The Dundee United striker did not feature in the Jacksonville friendly, but he trained with Craig Levein’s squad for a week in Florida before arriving back in Glasgow.

Russell then flew down to London with his U21 team-mates and was to be on a flight to Sofia today ahead of Thursday’s game in Lovech.

And, although Scotland were on the end of a 5-1 thrashing, former Aberdeen FC star Stark believes the 22-year-old’s enthusiasm could prove infectious.

Stark said: “The players will be asking what it’s like and he’ll be passing on his experiences.

“Hopefully, it makes them jealous and they will want to achieve what Johnny has achieved.

“Equally for Johnny. He will want to prove he can get on the pitch and put that Scotland jersey on.

“He knows his club form particularly, and what he has done for the Under-21s, has helped him join up with the big squad.”