Scotland learn opposition for Nations League ties

SCOTLAND will not face Martin Skrtel in their upcoming Nations League clash after Slovakia boss Pavel Hapal failed to convince the former Liverpool defender to come out of international retirement.

Hapal confirmed last week he had held talks with the 35- year- old, who is now based in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir, about returning, particularly for the crucial Euro play- off visit of Ireland on October 8.

However, Skrtel, who stopped playing for his county a year ago, after collecting 104 caps, has not been included in the latest national team squad.

Hapal will, however, be able to call upon vastly experienced playmaker Marek Hamsik, who is now with Chinese outfit Dalian Professional.

Slovakia take on Scotland at Hampden on October 11 before facing Israel in their other Nations League clash three days later

Meanwhile, Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Šilhavý has ditched all the players who gave Scotland a huge fright last month.

Šilhavý and the original squad were forced to stand down prior to the 2- 1 UEFA Nations League loss on September 7 after Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick were forced to isolate due to a Covid- 19 outbreak.

That led to under- 18s coach David Holoubek taking charge of the hastily assembled team and handing nine players their full debuts in the narrow defeat in Olomouc.

Scotland came in for criticism for that performance after goalkeeper David Marshall was named man of the match in a game won through goals from Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie penalty in the second half.