Duo are ruled out for Scots
STEVE CLARKE was last night rocked by another defensive nightmare after both Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna were ruled out of Scotland’s showdown against Ukraine.
The key backline pair joined suspended Scott McTominay in leaving the squad for tomorrow’s Nations League decider in Krakow.
Arsenal ace Tierney was replaced during the weekend win over
Ireland having sustained a head knock.
Medical advice has meant Tierney will not be available, while Nottingham Forest star McKenna, who completed the full 90 minutes in the victory over Stephen Kenny’s team, has also been deemed unable to make today’s flight to Poland.
Clarke was already without defenders Andy Robertson, Nathan Patterson and Grant Hanley for the final game of Group B1 and the English Premier League pair are now with them on the sidelines.
Issue
Brentford’s Aaron Hickey, who was forced off in the second period against Ireland with a hamstring issue, has remained with the squad.
Clarke has called up Hearts pair Stephen Kingsley and Barrie McKay.
St Mirren’s Declan Gallagher and Hellas Verona’s Josh Doig were brought in prior to the Ireland game due to the injuries to Patterson and David Turnbull.
Despite the setbacks, Callum McGregor has urged Scotland to top the section and join the top bracket of A-listed countries for the next Nations League campaign.
The midfielder said: “That’s where we want to be. That was the target and goal for us when the Nations League started and we were in Pot C.
“We wanted to get up the pots and play against better teams and that would, ultimately, develop the team and make players better.
“That’s where we want to be and we understand the repercussions of the group and this game on Tuesday night.”