Hickey out for season as Scots miss out on Prem star in huge double blow

THE bad news just keeps on coming for Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

That’s because Brentford have just confirmed that Aaron Hickey, who missed out on Euro 2024 due to injury, has further aggravated his hamstring problem and will miss most of the campaign.

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And not only that, but highly-prized potential replacement Tino Livramento of Newcastle United – who qualifies for Scotland – has just been called up by new England boss Lee Carsley for the first time.

Livramento qualifies for Scotland through his mum but one appearance will be enough to put an end to any lingering hopes the Scots might have had of attracting him to play for us instead.

The news comes hot on the heels of the underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign and the decision of Callum McGregor to retire from the national team.

The news on Hickey is depressing – with the former Hearts and Bologna man suffering a setback during a training sessin and undergoing surgery.

Brentford say he’s expected to miss most of the 2024/25 season due to a hamstring injury.

Head physio Nick Stubbings said: “The procedure involved the removal of the previous repair sutures and making a new tendon repair.

“Now we aim to start afresh and help Aaron return to his previous level of health and performance.”

Livramento was one of a number of new faces called up by incoming England boss Carsley, with Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke also included.

Carsley has given recalls to Rico Lewis and Levi Colwill, who have each only won one senior cap, as the Under-21 manager looks to the next generation.

He said: “We are coming off the back of losing in a final, I feel the squad need that little injection of energy and enthusiasm.

“Looking at the squad I have picked today, I have worked with the majority, whether assisting the 21s before or currently so it was important to get players around who understand how I work.”

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