Mcleish to give Souttar the nod

John Souttar has been called up to Alex Mcleish’s Scotland squad for the friendly with Belgium and the Nations League opener against Albania next month, Courier Sport understands.

The 21-year-old Hearts defender will be a replacement for Aberdeen’s Scott Mckenna, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Souttar, a Scotland Under-21 international, received his first call-up for the summer matches against Peru and Mexico but had to withdraw because of injury.

The former Dundee United player looked to have missed out on selection this time when he was named in Scot Gemmill’s under-21 squad, but will now take his place in Mcleish’s plans.

Sporting Kansas City attacker Johnny Russell and Kilmarnock rightback Stephen O’donnell retain their places in the squad after the postseason challenge matches in the Americas.

Souttar’s former Tannadice team-mate Russell won his fifth cap in the 1-0 defeat in the Azteca Stadium with O’donnell making his debut in the 2-0 defeat by Peru before retaining his place against Mexico.

The Scots host Belgium at Hampden Park on Friday September 7, then welcome Albania to the national stadium for their Nations League clash on Monday September 10.

Mcleish will announce his squad at a Hampden Park press conference at lunchtime today.