Scotland manager Dave Reid has opted for a blend of youth and experience after announcing the 17-man squad for next month’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Invercargill, New Zealand.

Scotland will face China, New Zealand, Austria, Malaysia and Wales from the November 7-15 – with the top team qualifying for next year’s World Cup in New Delhi, India.

The squad includes promising youngsters John Harris and Wei Adams, who both gained their first senior cap against Ireland this month.

But regulars Callum Milne and Adam McKenzie won’t make the trip due to injury and availability respectively.

And Reid admits his troops have a tough task on their hands if they are to progress.

“The squad selected reflects exactly what we set out to get - a mix of experienced internationals and promising juniors to develop a larger, and more competitive, pool of players,” said Reid.

“There are no easy games at this tournament. Our first games against China and New Zealand will give players more experience against different styles of play.

“We’ll take knowledge gained into the following matches against Malaysia, Austria and Wales where we’re really looking for results.”