I think Rory is getting a raw deal in this comparison ....
Rory has made 11 starts for ICT and 32 appearances from the subs bench. As discussed at length in other threads, and therefore not needed to be discussed in this one, he has failed to impress a lot of fans when playing for the first team.
However, as a few people have said in both the earlier threads and in this one, there is obviously something that those in the ICT setup and those in the Scotland setup are seeing that we are not or that is not being translated into SPL performances. He doesnt get into a Scotland squad just so that McLeish can claim he has named a player from ICT, he gets there because someone in that setup recognises there is a skill or ability there that they can work with.
I hope he benefits from being named in the squad and training with the national team and coaches, I hope he uses this opportunity and the low estimation of some fans to motivate himself to do better at his club, I hope he does prove all of us wrong and then stick two fingers up at us for doubting him.
Rory was touted as a huge prospect before he broke into the first team. Zander is getting the same treatment. Zander has started only 2 games and come on as a sub in 4 more so like it or not he would be a very controversial call-up for the U20 squad let alone the U21s.
Every season, I get sent questionnaires by various football magazines (like 442) asking for predictions for the forthcoming season. One of the questions is always "who will be the youngster to break through this year" or something similar. two seasons ago, my answer was Rory, this season my answer was Zander. There is every chance we could be having the same discussion about Zander this time next season or the season after if he makes the breakthrough but doesnt meet expectations.