Connor Barron handed first Scotland call-up as two Celtic stars pull out

RANGERS new boy Connor Barron is in line to make his full Scotland debut in the forthcoming Nations League clashes against Poland and Portugal.

The summer signing from Aberdeen has been a bright spark in the Ibrox side’s underwhelming campaign – but narrowly missed out the original cut for Clarke’s squad.

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But he’s been handed the chance to impress after he, Josh Doig and Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken were handed call-ups from the standby list after a raft of call-offs.

We told you exclusively how Barron and Gauld were in contention for manager Steve Clarke’s new look squad.

Four players in all have been withdrawn from the group for the Nations League double header which begins against Poland on Thursday night.

And that includes Celtic duo James Forrest and Greg Taylor, both of whom featured in the 3-0 Old Firm derby win against Rangers on Sunday with no apparent ill effects.

Also out are Torino striker Che Adams and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.

Callum McGregor, of course, announced his decision to retire from international football in the wake to the national team’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.

John McGinn, meanwhile, has tipped Ben Doak to explode on to the Scotland scene.

The Liverpool youngster, who has joined Middlesbrough on loan, missed the Euros through injury.

McGinn revealed the 18-year-old joked he was what Steve Clarke‘s side was missing as they flopped in Germany.

And with Torino’s Che Adams pulling out of the squad for this week’s double-header with an injury, Doak could now make his debut against Poland at Hampden in Thursday night’s Nations League clash.

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Aston Villa skipper McGinn said: “It’s not just his ability, it’s his character. He cheered me up on Sunday night.

“There were only five or six of us that arrived because a lot of the boys were travelling.

“We were touching on the Euros and he said, ‘If I’d stayed fit, it might have been different!’.

“That’s just his character, it’s brilliant. He’s got a lot of confidence, he’s a good laugh and he’s fitted in well.

“He’s excited to play some games at Middlesbrough and I think he’s ready to contribute for us.

“I think everyone’s aware of his ability and he’s something different to what we’ve got. Hopefully we can see that on Thursday.

“Even in training, he’s so explosive. Sheer pace, power, strength.

“It’s something we’ve been missing over the past couple of seasons.

“He’s definitely going to bring something different there and get supporters off their seats.”

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