Scotland Under-21 boss lauds 'exceptional' Ben Doak

Scotland Under-21 manager Scot Gemmill hailed Ben Doak after an 'exceptional performance' against Spain on Monday night, suggesting there's even more to come from the young talent.

Doak was making his under-21s debut in Jaen for the Euro 2025 qualifier, but looked utterly fearless, despite playing in an unfamiliar central role.

The 17-year-old impressed as the lone centre forward for Scotland and caught the eye with his ability to twist and turn the Spanish defence at will.

READ MORE: Fans react to Ben Doak's electric performance for Scotland against Spain

The away side ultimately lost 1-0 after a late goal, but Doak's debut performance gave both fans of Scotland and Liverpool plenty of reason for optimism.

Speaking after the match, Gemmill suggested that Doak will only improve with more game time for his club side.

He said, via the Daily Record: "It was an exceptional performance from Ben Doak. I would even add that's there's more to come from him. He's not fully match fit at the moment because of his limited minutes as he is playing for such a good club.

"Imagine a fully-fit Ben Doak!"

The former Celtic starlet, who signed for Liverpool in March 2022, has made six senior appearances for the Reds to date, including a cameo in the Premier League draw against Chelsea this season when he was brought on for Mohamed Salah.

READ MORE: How Ben Doak could become Mohamed Salah's successor at Liverpool

Doak is expected to feature more heavily this season and could take a bigger role in Liverpool's Europa League campaign.

Speaking back in pre-season, Jurgen Klopp admitted the door is open for Doak and several other young stars to earn their place in his plans.

He said, via Liverpoolfc.com: “[We have] a lot of young players, of course, in and young players for who the door is open, who can play a different role next season. They are all a year older, looking really good – Conor Bradley looking really good, Ben Doak really good, Bobby Clark grew somehow, which is normal!

“They all can play a slightly different role if they want and yeah, how I said, there is an open door for that."