Steve Clarke has explained his decision behind calling up Ross McCrorie as he provided an update over three injury doubts.
Scotland face two huge Euro 2024 qualifiers in two weeks time starting with a big trip away to Norway before hosting Georgia at Hampden. The Dark Blues kicked off the campaign in style at the National Stadium in the first double-header defeating Cyprus 3-0 before picking up a stunning win over heavyweights Spain under the lights in Mount Florida.
The national team are in Spain for a training camp ahead of the latest two games but the squad has already had an update with Celtic defender Anthony Ralston ruled out with Bristol City bound McCrorie taking his place in the group.
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Explaining his decision, Clarke said: "He’s had a good season. The Aberdeen players had a sticky patch, but they came through that, and Ross has impressed a lot of people. He’s got good athleticism, he gets up and down the pitch and he’s good in possession.
"Ross has also started in one position more often, rather than being moved around as much, so that’s given him that bit of continuity. He’s been in the squad before, so it’s nice to have him back again."
A trio of defenders are doubts with Rangers' John Souttar, Everton full-back Nathan Patterson and Leeds United stopper Liam Cooper not out in Spain. They will be given every chance to be ready to hook up with the team when they return to Glasgow.
All three are with their club sides working hard on their fitness as Clarke opened up on the latest situation.
He explained: "They couldn’t be with us this week but they’re with their clubs, working hard on their fitness, and we’ll give them every chance to be ready to join us next week in Glasgow.
"We’ve got good cover in all positions and that’s why I picked a slightly larger squad than I normally would."
On the double-header, he added: "The two games will be pivotal in the group. We’ve had a great start, but we have to build on that.
"Norway away will be tough. Georgia, at home, will be equally tough, but we’ve had a good start and should go into the games with confidence. We want to get the points required to go into the second half of the campaign in a good position."
Scotland squad in full
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defenders: L iam Cooper*, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dominic Hyam, Ross McCrorie, Nathan Patterson*, Ryan Porteous, Andy Robertson, John Souttar*, Greg Taylor*, Kieran Tierney*
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Lewis Ferguson*, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Jack, John McGinn, Callum McGregor*, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay*, Ryan Christie
Attackers: Lyndon Dykes, Kevin Nisbet, Lawrence Shankland
*Denotes players who are due to join up with the squad next week.
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