TWO Ayr United players helped inspire Scotland Under-21s to a memorable 2-1 win against Croatia last night.

On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan made some fine saves after starting alongside Somerset Park defender Danny Harvie.

Scot Gemmill's side were looking to make the most of a 2-0 win over San Marino last week and it didn't look likely in the early stages.

 

A goal from Sandro Kulenovic  in 10 minutes put Croatia in front and it looked like they would dominate the game until Connor McLennan's late double.

 

Gemmill made changes to his side and it saw captain Ross McCrorie deployed in an unusual right back position.

 

Fast-rising Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour missed out through injury and Glenn Middleton dropped to the bench despite his goal against San Marino.

 

It didn't start too well and Scotland were on the back foot for much of the first half. The opening goal came when a delightful ball was clipped through to Kulenovic who found space between McCrorie and Ryan Porteous to head pass Ross Doohan.

 

The on-loan goalkeeper had no chance but made some impressive saves to keep his side in it.

 

The second half saw Scotland get into the game a bit more with Allan Campbell and Lewis Ferguson showing what they can do in midfield.

 

Gemmill pitched in Middleton and McLennan in a double switch with Patrick Reading and Ferguson replaced.

And with one Aberdeen youngster replacing another, this changed the momentum of the match.

Three minutes after being introduced he cut onto his right foot and drilled the ball into the back of the net. It sparked celebrations among the Scotland bench but it wasn't being settled for by the players.