McArthur has been in fine form for Hamilton

The 20-year-old midfielder is part of the squad that has headed for a four-team tournament involving Sweden, Ukraine and hosts Portugal.

"I'm surprised it took so long," said Reid. "He's been fantastic.

"James McArthur is a lad who is a manager's dream. He does all the rubbish in the middle of the park and he's a leader. He's a born leader."

Hibernian forward Steven Fletcher pulled out of Billy Stark's first Under-21 squad after suffering a knee injury during the 1-1 draw with Rangers on Sunday.

And, as the Scots prepare to face Portugal on Tuesday, Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies will be hoping that his two Scotland Under-21 players, Ryan O'Leary and Jamie Hamill, stay fit.

It's great for the club and great for the players, but fingers crossed that they don't pick up any injuries Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

Jefferies has seen injury problems wreak havoc to his club's ambitions this season.

And the Rugby Park men find themselves second-bottom of the Scottish Premier League, just eight points ahead of Gretna, who have two matches in hand.

"It's great for the club and great for the players, but fingers crossed that they don't pick up any injuries," said Jefferies.

"There is nothing we can do about it happening, but we could do without it after all the injuries we have had this season.

"Jamie has been terrific for us this season and the bonus is that he can play in a few positions.

"Ryan is another good player who dropped out of the squad when Maurice Malpas was in charge but has been brought back by Billy Stark.

"We will need both of them in the coming weeks."