ON-LOAN Athletic defender Lewis Mayo played both matches as Scotland’s under-21s gave their European Championship qualification hopes a massive boost.

The 20-year-old, who joined from Rangers for the duration of the season, was in action against the Czech Republic last Friday and against San Marino on Tuesday.

The centre back played the full 90 minutes at Tynecastle as the young Scots, thanks to goals from Fraser Hornby and Ross McCrorie, enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win over the Czechs, who are top of the group.

That took Scotland to within a point of their opponents, with a game in hand, which remains the case after an emphatic 7-0 win over San Marino in Serravalle.

Mayo, who missed each of Dunfermline’s Betfred Cup games, again started as Hornby’s hat-trick, along with goals from David Turnbull, Barry Maguire, Connor McLennan and Harrison Ashby sealed the win.

Kerr McInroy, who started the Pars’ win at Dumbarton last Tuesday, also joined Mayo in the squad for both matches.

The midfielder, on loan from Celtic for the forthcoming campaign, was on the bench for Scot Gemmill’s side.

Scotland conclude their campaign with games at home to Croatia, and away to Greece, on November 12 and 17.

Both players should be available to Pars boss Stevie Crawford when they open their Championship season at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.