Nisbet called up as Shankland withdraws from Scotland squad

Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet has been called into the Scotland squad for the Nations League double-header after Lawrence Shankland pulled out.

Nisbet is the latest addition to Steve Clarke’s injury-hit group as the manager prepares to face Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday, followed by a clash with Portugal at Hampden three days later.

The call-up marks a return to the squad for the 27-year-old, who missed Euro 2024 through injury. Nisebt has 11 caps to his name and had said that part of the reason for his loan move from Millwall to Aberdeen was to help put himself back into contention for a Scotland place.

The Dons forward returns to the international set-up just a day after his Pittodrie team-mate Jack McKenzie was drafted in as a replacement for Greg Taylor.

Nicky Devlin had been included in the original squad, showing how Aberdeen’s perfect start to the season has caught Clarke’s eye.

Under new manager Jimmy Thelin, the Dons have won all 13 games they have played, with Nisbet scoring three times from six matches. Aberdeen sit second in the Premiership table on goal difference and have secured a League Cup semi-final place.

Speaking on Tuesday, Scotland coach John Carver had said that McKenzie and Devlin’s call-ups were proof that good form in the Premiership would be rewarded.

“I think it’s great, because it’s a team from Scotland, and I like that,” he said. “I think it’s important that people out there, young players who are playing in Scotland, actually realise we’re out there watching, and they might just get an opportunity.

“Because it’s not just about them going down the road (to England) and playing, or going over to Italy and playing, it’s about the local guys getting an opportunity.

“And these guys are not getting their opportunity because they’re local guys, it’s because they’re good enough to be in the group.”