IAN DURRANT admits Scottish clubs have to do more to help our national side by producing a higher standard of player through their youth ranks.

The Rangers Under-20 boss has seen several of his young stars make the breakthrough into the international frame at various levels in recent months as they have been rewarded for their form with the Light Blues’ second string.

The state of Scottish football has come under scrutiny in the aftermath of our failed bid to reach the European Championship finals in France next summer.

Much of the focus, as always, will fall on the work being done at youth level and in the Academy systems across the country as our young players look to progress through the ranks.

Durrant won 20 caps for Scotland during his illustrious playing career and the 49-year-old hopes the future can be bright for our national game once again.

He told SportTimes: “The youths more than hold their own. When ourselves, Celtic and Aberdeen play in youth tournaments, we hold our own.

“The transition is going from there to taking Scotland to major tournaments. You need to break that barrier.

Glasgow Times:

“It is hard, there is a fine line between success and not making it. Over the last few years, we haven’t made it.

“Years ago, people used to come and look at the Scottish model and Scottish players were playing at the highest levels. Hopefully we can get back to that and the clubs have to do more in terms of making sure we have a better quality of player coming through.

“We are doing good work but there is a panic button that gets pressed at times. You need to believe in yourself and what you are doing and do what is best for your player, your club and ultimately your country.

“We are making inroads but it takes time. Gordon has penned a new deal so hopefully he gets the backing he needs.

“As clubs, we need to help the national team get better players through and hopefully that will make the country better.”