Fraser latest player to pull out of Scotland squad

BOURNEMOUTH’S Ryan Fraser has become the latest player to withdraw from the Scotland squad for the endof-season friendlies with Peru and Mexico.

It was confirmed yesterday that Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie had pulled out of Alex McLeish’s travelling party with a knee injury – just 12 hours after it was confirmed Wolves full-back Barry Douglas would miss the Latin America tour.

Hearts and former Dundee United defender John Souttar is also facing a race against time to be fit enough for the trans-Atlantic trip, which sees the Scots face Peru in Lima on May 29 and Mexico in Mexico City on June 2.

McLeish is already without a host of national team regulars, including Celtic quartet Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Leigh Griffiths.

The Scottish Football Association tweeted to say t hat Fraser is unavailable. No reason is given but it is understood the former Aberdeen youngster is carrying an injury.

Ritchie suffered a knee injury during the Magpies’ 3-0 win over Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, with Newcastle announcing on their website: “He is now receiving treatment back in Newcastle with the club’s medical staff.”

Jambos youngster Souttar is also a doubt for the trip. The 21-year-old received his first senior call-up last week but missed the Jambos’ two final Ladbrokes Premiership games of the campaign with a hamstring injury and Tynecastle boss Craig Levein says he may end up disappointed.

“I’m pleased to see John in the Scotland squad – I just don’t know if he’s going to be fit and available,” Levein said.

Kevin Holt has left Dens Park.