Ben Doak: Scotland U21s Boss Singles Out Liverpool Forward for Praise

Ben Doak is a name that is becoming increasingly familiar to football fans around the world. The young forward, who currently plays for Liverpool, has been singled out for praise by Scotland U21s boss Scot Gemmill and could be in line for a first senior cap in the near future.

Doak has already made four appearances for Scotland U21s, having made his debut at the age of just 16. Gemmill recently lauded Doak’s “exceptional performance” as a centre-forward against Spain U21s last month and the teenager has again been selected for the next set of international fixtures with the young Scots against Hungary and Malta later this month.

The youngster has also been praised by his national boss for his leadership qualities, despite his young age. Gemmill said: “He is becoming a leader off the pitch even though he is younger, and he sets an example every day in training. There is no question Ben is definitely maturing very fast and you can tell he is obviously training and playing every day with really good players, so it is really exciting to see his development.”

Doak has already netted four times in nine appearances at U17 level with Scotland and already has a goal to his name with the U21 side. Gemmill has also insisted that Doak will be promoted to Scotland’s first team when the “right moment” comes and didn’t rule out that opportunity coming in the next “international window.”

Doak won’t quite be able to become his nation’s youngest-ever player, with that accolade belonging to John Lambie having made his first appearance at the age of 17 years and 92 days back in 1986. Nevertheless, it is clear that he is progressing rapidly and both club and international level, having made three senior appearances for the Reds already this season.

The forward will be hoping his big chance with Scotland is around the corner having already performed in the top-flight for Liverpool on several occasions. With Gemmill’s words of praise ringing in his ears, it looks like Doak’s first senior cap may not be too far away.

Doak’s Rise to Prominence

Doak’s rise to prominence has been rapid. After making his debut for Scotland U21s at the age of 16, he has gone on to make four appearances for the side and has already netted four times in nine appearances at U17 level with Scotland.

The youngster has also impressed at club level, having made three senior appearances for Liverpool already this season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Gemmill describing him as a “leader” despite his young age and insisting that Doak will be promoted to Scotland’s first team when the “right moment” comes.

Doak’s Future Prospects

Doak’s future prospects look bright. His performances for both club and country have been impressive and it looks like he is on course to make his first senior cap for Scotland in the near future.

Gemmill has said that it is up to Steve Clarke and his staff to pick the right moment for Doak to make his debut, but with the youngster impressing both on and off the pitch, it looks like his big chance could come sooner rather than later.

Doak will be hoping that his big chance with Scotland is around the corner having already performed in the top-flight for Liverpool on several occasions. With Gemmill’s words of praise ringing in his ears, it looks like Doak’s first senior cap may not be too far away.