Ex-Rangers defender David Bates could make a first Scotland appearance this week.
Scotland coach Peter Grant has told The Scottish Sun that David Bates could feature for Scotland over the international break – and praised him for the decision to leave Rangers.
Bates, 21, came up through the Raith Rovers ranks before heading to Rangers in 2016, initially penning a loan deal under Mark Warburton before turning his switch permanent.
Few expected much of Bates at Ibrox, and he had to wait until April 2017 to make his debut for the club, before making 20 appearances last season.
Bates showed promise, but it surprised many when German side Hamburg swooped to land him at the end of last season, with his Rangers contract expiring.
Bates is now featuring regularly in Germany’s second tier with Hamburg, and his performances have even sparked speculation over a move to a Premier League club.
The 6ft 4in defender has now been called up to the Scotland squad for games against Albania and Israel, with injuries potentially handing him a first cap.
Coach Grant has now offered his view, admitting that there is a real chance Bates will play, whilst praising him for the brave decision to leave a club like Rangers, but he took that decision and is thriving in Germany, leaving Scotland with no qualms about playing him this week.
“He’s got a chance, absolutely. David was here before us, that’s how enthusiastic he was to be here,” said Grant. “It’s hard to leave a club like Rangers, let’s be honest, for a young man. But he did that and went over to Germany. We spoke to his coach who is delighted with him. We have no qualms about David,” he added.
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