Jack McGrath as one of the genuinely hottest teenage prospects in Europe, has previously been boldly advocated by this website as a Scotland World Cup wildcard pick. Press coverage yesterday reported another red hot Scots prospect, Zion Pullan, being poached by Spain. Like Pullan, McGrath currently has multi-international eligibility. This article is an update on the electrifying form McGrath continues to display at Aston Villa. Further, it is a reminder why Steve Clarke should take the teenage prodigy to World Cup 2026.
Zion Pullan shows the risks of delaying full cap selection
Zion Pullan turned 15 in February and is on the books at Celtic. He was born in Tudela in the Basque region of Spain. Some sources claim he has Spanish parentage. Other sources claim he has Nigerian parentage. Combined with his Scottish eligibility, he potentially could play for 3 different countries. Among clubs reported interested in him are Athletic Bilbao. Pullan meets Athletic’s policy of only signing players born or raised in the Basque region.
This season Pullan has amassed a staggering 93 Celtic goal involvements, comprised of 58 goals and 35 assists at U15 & U17 level. He is reported as typically playing on the left to cut in on to his favoured right foot. He has also been reported as able to play CF. Among his highest profile contributions is a hat-trick against Rangers.
Pullan has 5 international appearances to date, all for Scotland Under-15s. In the 148 minutes he played in those 3 games, he scored once v Italy. However, this week he is soberingly reported to have received his 1st call-up to the Spain Under-15 squad. It is unrealistic to select a 15 year old for a World Cup squad. Pullan though is a topical example, that vultures will swoop for players with multiple international eligibility.
Jack McGrath latest progress
Jack McGrath excitingly continues to be one of the genuinely hottest teenage talents in European football. The following are some updated stats, sourced from Transfermarkt.
| Name | Jack McGrath |
| Age | 17 |
| Club | Aston Villa |
| Villa U18 games | 37 |
| Villa U18 goals | 19 |
| Villa U18 assists | 14 |
| Villa U18 mins | 2881 |
| Villa U18 mins per goal | 151.6 |
| Villa U18 mins per goal/assist | 87.3 |
In other words, for slightly better than every 90 mins of play, this genuine wonderkid delivers a goal or assist. Villa this season have played him primarily on the left. He can, though, and has played in central/attacking midfield.
Should Steve Clarke select Jack McGrath for the Scotland 2026 World Cup squad?
As this website has advocated before, yes he should. McGrath has played age group football for Scotland & England. Until given a full cap in a competitive game, he remains eligible for both countries. The updated stats above supplement the argument for McGrath’s prompt selection for Scotland. This previous article spotlights 17 year old McGrath’s stand out performances for Scotland U19s. For McGrath it is not only the prospect of participating at a World Cup. With key players coming back from injury, Scotland’s prospects at WC 2026 get better everyday.
In addition there is Euro 2028, openly rigged to favour Scotland and the other 3 host nations. If Scotland do indeed qualify, there’s much to be optimistic about. Home advantage will be supplemented with exciting talents coming through to enhance the current squad. This a great a time to commit to playing for Scotland.
The sky high stakes for Steve Clarke at World Cup 2026 are already documented. Steve Clarke though, be bold with this one selection. Take Jack McGrath in your squad to the 2026 World Cup.
