Steve Clarke disappointed by 'most disrupted' Scotland preparation
The Scotland boss has been hit by injury and coronavirus issues
Last updated 30th Aug 2021
Scotland boss Steve Clarke says the preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifying has been the 'most disrupted' in his time as national team boss.
The squad have been hit by injuries and coronavirus issues just days before Wednesday's clash with Denmark.
Celtic duo James Forrest and Greg Taylor have been forced to pull out of the squad with knocks.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn and Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson are currently self-isolating and will miss the first of the three fixtures.
Clarke says he doesn't have any plans to call up replacements - but admits it hasn't been an easy few days.
He said: "Two years into my international career it has probably been the most disruptive camp in terms of call-offs which is disappointing.
"But I think we've got enough in the current group to go to Denmark and hopefully get the result we want.
"Medical information tells me that both John (McGinn) and Nathan (Patterson) should join us after the Denmark game.
"I won't need to look too deep for replacements for those two. I'll work with a slightly smaller squad for the Denmark game.
Scott McTominay and Stuart Armstrong had already pulled out of the squad with injuries with Lewis Ferguson earning his first call-up.
Euro 2020 number one David Marshall also misses out on this international break after falling out of favour at Derby County while Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin isn't available.
Former Hearts interim boss Austin MacPhee was set to join up with the squad for his first international camp but has now been forced to stay at home.
Steve Clarke revealing Aston Villa's set piece coach has tested positive for coronavirus and Steven Naismith will replace him as a short term fix.
"It is a completely different blow for me.
"I was hoping I would have a new coaching team in place, at the very last minute I asked Steven Naismith who I know as a player to step up and become an extra pair of eyes on the training pitch.
"He will be here for this camp.''
Scotland are away to Denmark on Wednesday 1st September before hosting Moldova at Hampden on Saturday 4th September.
They round off the international break with a trip to take on Austria on Tuesday 7th September.