A SCOTLAND call-up for two Greenock-born footballers marks the first national team squad in nearly 60 years to feature two players from the area.

Celtic star Greg Taylor and his fellow former Clydeview Academy pupil Lewis Morgan, who plays for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls, were both named in Steve Clarke’s pool for Euro 2024, which kicks off on Friday.

Scotland will open the tournament against hosts Germany, and the two Inverclyde lads will be in the squad for the curtain-raiser.

A local football historian says that the last time two footballers hailing from the Inverclyde area appeared in the team was on 13th June 1967, as Scotland faced Canada in a friendly in Winnipeg.

Lewis MorganLewis Morgan (Image: Kenny Ramsay)

Morton historian Niall McGilp told the Tele: "I am pretty confident that the last time two players from Greenock played in the Scotland squad was 1967. That included Joe Harper and Jim Townsend. Two former Morton players.

“I think it shows the area produces great footballers.

“It is great for Inverclyde, and I am sure it will increase interest in the upcoming tournament.”

(Image: Archive)

Both Townsend and Harper started the match against Canada.

(Image: Archive)

Prolific goalscorer Joe netted five goals in his international debut as the Scots thrashed Canada 7-2.

Greg TaylorGreg Taylor (Image: PA)

The match was originally classed as a Scotland XI tour game however it was declared an ‘A’ international game by the Scottish FA in October 2021, allowing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson to be presented a full international cap.

Both Harper and Townsend enjoyed success with local club Morton with legendary striker Joe Harper inducted into the club’s hall of fame earlier this year.

Previous appearances by two Inverclyde men in the Scottish national team have included Jimmy Cowan and Tommy Orr in 1951.

However, the squad is yet to feature more than two players at the same time.