Euro 2024: Scotland’s Kieran Tierney ruled out for rest of finals

Scotland’s defensive resources have already been stretched by pre-tournament injuries to right-backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson.

In addition, Watford centre-half Ryan Porteous will miss Sunday’s final group match against Hungary through suspension after being sent off against Germany in the opening fixture.

“It is a blow because Kieran is one of our top players and, in tournament football, you need your best players on the park,” Carver admitted.

“And, in particular with him, he gives that balance down the left-hand side with Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor and they combine really well.

“So whenever any team loses their best players then it will affect the situation, but also it is an opportunity for somebody else to step in.”

Carver also revealed that Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, who has yet to feature in Germany, is “under the weather” ahead of Sunday’s game in Stuttgart.

Scotland have one point from their first two matches having never qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament.