While Scotland’s under-21 side may have suffered the heartbreak of missing out on a first European Championships since 1996, the emergence of several teenage talents in the 12 months means Tartan Army fans have plenty to be excited about in the years to come.
With Steve Clarke injecting youth in his Scotland senior squad recently, fans have seen the likes of Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak and Middlesbrough hotshot Tommy Conway make a genuine impact on the national team, with supporters pondering which teenage talent could be the next to break into the Scotland starting XI.
Doak has been the biggest breakthrough in the last 12 month, with the forward flourishing since being handed his maiden Scotland call up last summer. The ex-Celtic academy ace has spent the first-half of the season on loan to EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough, but has already been subject of two £16million bids from EPL side Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, such is his enormous potential. But which teenager will be the next to follow him into the limelight?
Here are the 17 teenage talents we’re tipping to have a breakout year in 2025.
9. David Watson - Kilmarnock
The PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year last season, Watson is already an established member of Derek McInnes' first team, with over 50 senior appearances to his name despite being just 19-years-old. Capped at under-19 level, Watson has 11 goal contributions in the last 18 months at Rugby Park and has his best years ahead of him. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Dylan Reid - Crystal Palace
The 19-year-old Kilbirnie born midfielder caught the attention of EPL outfit Crystal Palace after breaking into the St Mirren first, and completed a move to Selhurst Park in February 2023. A regular for Scotland at under-16, 17, 18 and 19 level, Reid is yet to feature for the Eagles first team but is held in high regard by the London club and has his best years ahead of him. | SNS Group
11. Alfie Bavidge - Inverness (on loan from Aberdeen)
The 18-year-old striker is made a name for himself after a goal-laden spell on loan at Kelty Hearts last season, and has even been linked with Scottish champions Celtic. Spent the first half of this season on loan at Ayr United, but has had that move cut short and has now joined Inverness on loan. Scored on his debut earlier this week, and will hope to pick up further senior experience and enhance his reputation further. | SNS Group Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
12. Bailey Rice - Rangers
Has yet to fully break into the Rangers first team squad, despite being highly by ex-boss Michael Beale and current manager Philippe Clement, but looks set to be unleashed in the coming months after the Belgian boss admitted the 18-year-old Inverness born midfielder would complete the "next step in their evolution at the club" over the few weeks. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group