Scotland under-21 coach Scot Gemmill is certain that Celtic youngster Tony Ralston is destined for the top, because he wasn’t excited after training with the international senior side.

Ralston was unfazed by rubbing shoulders with the Scotland A squad, and while he undoubtedly took a lot from the experience, he returned to the under-21 set-up unaffected by his brief step up.

And Gemmill believes that shows that the Hoops kid has the right attitude to make it in the game.

Read more: Celtic kid Tony Ralston sets sights on stepping up to Scotland senior squad

“Something I admire greatly in Tony and all the young players is the fact that they don’t show excitement, they see it as a normal progression,” Gemmill said.

“They aren’t out of their comfort zone, it’s standard procedure.

“Think of the players he is playing with at his club, the level he is playing at with his club.

“What I admire about Tony is that it was as if it had been just a normal day at work, and that’s the way it should be.”

Ralston was optimistic when asked yesterday if he felt he could push his way into contention for the Scotland squad should they make it to Russia for the World Cup.

And Gemmill backed his young defender’s assessment of his chances of pushing his way into Gordon Strachan’s thoughts by next summer, just as the likes of Kieran Tierney managed before him.

Read more: Celtic kid Tony Ralston sets sights on stepping up to Scotland senior squad

"My involvement with the national youth teams have shown that of course it is possible,” he said. “Would anyone have predicted that these players were going to push through?

“If you compare it to last year's under 21s players who started the campaign about how they were perceived with their clubs to where they are now 12 months later, all of a sudden those players started to become perceived as bigger players in Scottish football.

“So why can't we be optimistic in that regard? These young players have shown that at international level. Tony Ralston went to Toulon and has been great with his club. I do think it's achievable."

Gemmill’s optimism in regards to Ralston extends to the rest of his side ahead of their first qualifier for the European Under-21 Championship this evening against The Netherlands.

While he knows his men will be up against a formidable opponent, he feels that he has a wealth of talent at his own disposal.

Read more: Celtic kid Tony Ralston sets sights on stepping up to Scotland senior squad

On paper, I think there is reason for optimism,” he said. “I know that some people are choosing to give a different point of view on that, and I respect that.

“At the same time, I do feel there is reason for optimism.

“There is speed in the team. I know we were all speaking about historically, the physicality is a difference, and I accept that. But in terms of pace, there is pace in this team.

“So, there is optimism, but you have to take it a step further, and every time any team plays, it’s about everybody turning up on the day.

“There’s no point in doing it in training, it has to be done in the heat of the moment, that is the crucial thing at every level.

“The other thing I would say is that of course there are other strong players who could easily be in the squad, so I do think there is also reason for optimism in that regard.”

*Tickets for tonight’s match between Scotland and the Netherlands at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm, are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and available at the gate.