CELTIC youngster Liam Henderson bagged a double to help Scotland's Under-19 side to a 2-1 victory over hosts Austria in the opening game of the Uefa Elite Round.

Manager Ricky Sbragia created an outcry when he revealed he didn't include Real Madrid superkid Jack Harper because he wanted a more physical presence for the tournament.

But his young Scots got off to an ideal start anyway thanks to the Hoops midfielder, although Austria were reduced to nine men in Schwechat, near Vienna last night.

Scotland now face Italy tomorrow morning before ending the group with a game against Croatia on Tuesday, with a great chance of reaching the finals in Greece in July, especially as the other two nations in Scotland's group drew yesterday.

Austria were reduced to 10 men after just 16 minutes. On-loan Chester City striker Oliver McBurnie released Paul McMullan and the Celtic kid was chopped down by Manuel Haas, who was shown a straight red card.

And the Scots made their numerical advantage count nine minutes after the break when McMullan's cutback was drilled into the net by Henderson to give Sbragia's Scots the breakthrough.

Scotland doubled their advantage 11 minutes from the end when McBurnie was tripped in the box by Stefan Jonovic. Henderson made no mistake with the spot-kick and the Austrian was sent off, reducing them to nine men.

However, the hosts somehow clawed their way back into the game despite their lack of numbers with five minutes left when Marko Kvasina was allowed too much space in the box and netted.

But Scotland comfortably held on for the win to get their campaign off to a flyer.