Alloa boss Brian Rice had to ask Scot Gemmill to omit Jay Hogarth from his Scotland under-21 squad.
The on-loan Rangers youngster was set to be included in the young Lions' squad for this month’s friendlies with Sweden and Wales but it would have left Alloa without a goalkeeper. The League One play-off pushers are due to play at Peterhead on March 25th, but if Hogarth had gone they wouldn’t have a shotstopper because Scott Gallagher is injured.
Rice said: “Scott has broken his elbow and if Jay had gone we would have been left without a goalkeeper. I spoke to Scot Gemmill and Rangers. “We are currently in the play-offs and I explained to them that I needed Jay to remain with us because we don’t have another goalkeeper available for the Peterhead game later this month. Scot and Rangers totally understood our situation, which was brilliant and really appreciated. Jay has done brilliantly for us this season and has only missed one game. “
“Jay obviously is desperate to play for his country but he understood our situation. Credit to the boy, he has been brilliant. He accepted the decision and he knows he will get another chance with Scotland under-21 because he is a talented, talented young keeper.”
Rice has had to bring veteran Willie Muir out of retirement to provide cover but his work commitments mean he can’t guarantee to be at every game.
Rice added: “I brought him in in January because Willie had retired. Willie has come back and helped me for a few weeks but he has work commitments and might not be available for some games.”
