Hanley and McArthur in Scotland KO
SCOTLAND suffered a massive World Cup blow last night with key duo James McArthur and Grant Hanley ruled out of showdown with Slovenia.
SFA chiefs confirmed Crystal Palace midfielder McArthur and Blackburn defender Hanley would miss Wednesday’s friendly against Canada as well as the must-win Hampden qualifier on Sunday.
Gordon Strachan had already lost West Brom’s Matt Phillips from his original squad. However, Record Sport understands Phillips’s Hawthorns team-mate James Morrison will be available for the game against the Slovenians after his ankle injury responded to treatment.
Strachan has called up Leeds’ Liam Cooper to replace Hanley but the absences of McArthur and Phillips will be covered without the need for replacements to be added at this stage.
Meanwhile, John McGinn insists he’s determined to use the Canada game to play his way into contention to face Slovenia – even if it means missing Hibs’ vital Championship clash against Falkirk.
Easter Road boss Neil Lennon has stated he hopes his midfield talisman will be released from Scotland duty in time to face the Bairns on Saturday if it becomes clear he’ll not feature at Hampden on Sunday.
However, McGinn is adamant he can contribute to the World Cup qualification bid and has no desire to leave Strachan’s camp early.
The 22-year-old said: “I’m a Scotland player for the week and looking forward to the Canada game.
“If I get the chance to show what I can do then I want to stake a claim for the Slovenia game.
“I will always be willing to play in any game I am needed but first and foremost the country is the most important thing.
“It is a massive game on Sunday and if I can help the squad then I will be there.”