James Morrison called up to Scotland squad as Darren Fletcher struggles with injury
James Morrison has been called up to the Scotland squad - and boss Gordon Strachan is also sweating on Darren Fletcher's fitness.
The West Brom player Morrison has been drafted in to Strachan's squad for the upcoming clashes against Lithuania and Malta after Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney and Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher both withdrew on Sunday night after picking up knocks over the weekend.
Now Strachan has confirmed Stoke anchorman Darren Fletcher has also delayed his arrival at the Scots' Renfrewshire team base while he is assessed by the Potters' medical team.
The former Manchester United midfielder played the entire 90 minutes for his new side as they were held 1-1 by old employers West Brom on Sunday.
However, a jarred knee sustained during that Hawthorns clash seized up after the final whistle and Strachan says his part in the World Cup qualification double-header is now in doubt.
Morrison, though, will be available despite being left out of the original squad when it was announced last week.
It was expected damage to knee ligaments sustained during June's 2-2 draw with England would rule him out of Friday's Vilnius meeting with Lithuania and the Hampden clash with the Maltese on Monday.
But just 24 hours after Strachan named his group for the crucial internationals, the 43-cap attacker featured for West Brom in their Carabao Cup clash against Accrington and then started the weekend's Premier League draw with Stoke after getting the all-clear from medics.
Strachan said: "I phoned James last night just to chat about football and how he had got on. He said he was surprised to have played two games so far as he didn't expect to be that far forward.
"When we discussed it two weeks ago I said to him, 'I better leave you out for this one because you've not had many games'.
"But he's had these two games and is now feeling really good about himself. When we had our converstation I asked if he fancied joining us and he said, 'Yes, certainly'.
"So he's here now and that's good.