Billy Gilmour in Scotland squad for World Cup play-offs but no Kieran Tierney
Steve Clarke has announced his squad for next week's crucial games
Last updated 23rd May 2022
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has selected injured duo Billy Gilmour and Nathan Patterson in his squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs but Kieran Tierney misses out.
Anthony Ralston has earned his first call-up since last year, whilst John Souttar and David Turnbull return to the group after injuries.
There is still no place for Ryan Fraser or James Forrest.
Tierney underwent knee surgery at Arsenal seven weeks ago and was aiming for a June recovery but next months' matches will come too soon for the left back, which is a huge blow for the team.
Gilmour rolled his ankle whilst on loan at Norwich last week and was sent back to Chelsea to be assessed but has made the cut and has starred for Scotland since his Player of the Match performance against England at Euro 2020.
Patterson has struggled for game time since his move from Rangers to Everton but has been the first choice right back for Clarke for the past nine months.
He underwent ankle surgery at the start of April but has also been deemed fit enough to be included.
Ralston has forced his way into the squad after impressing for Celtic this campaign, scoring five times and registering nine assists.
He made his debut last November but missed out on the fixtures earlier this year.
Souttar and Turnbull have been recalled after recovering from injuries that kept them out of the March fixtures and will hope to impress over the next five games.
David Marshall could also feature, having not played since last summer, whilst Scott McKenna and Liam Cooper also come back in to the fold.
Fraser and Forrest continue to be ignored by Clarke, who has instead selected Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Ryan Christie, Jacob Brown and Ross Stewart as his forwards.