Football

Scotland star ruled out of Nations League double header with injury

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1 month ago

October 11, 2024

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Scotland star ruled out of Nations League double header with injury

CELTIC have been left with just one player in the Scotland squad for their upcoming Nations League double header.

Steve Clarke‘s men take on Croatia tomorrow night and Portugal on Tuesday to try and kickstart their campaign after losing their opening two matches.

It’s worrying news for Steve ClarkeCredit: PA

Celtic left-back Greg Taylor had already dropped out of the squad with a calf issue, leaving just James Forrest and Anthony Ralston as their only representatives in the team this international break.

But Ralston is now the only Hoops star in the team as Forrest has now been ruled out for the two matches through injury.

He was absent from their training session in Glasgow ahead of their flight to Croatia and it was hoped he had only missed out as a precaution.

However, he has now been officially ruled out of the two clashes and will stay in Glasgow to recover from his setback with Celtic’s physio team.

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It’s unclear how serious the injury is but he will be assessed over the coming days and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping it’s nothing too serious.

It’s another cruel blow for ex-Killie boss Clarke, who was already without the likes of Angus Gunn, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Jack Henry and Tommy Conway for the huge double header.

Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Lewis Ferguson weren’t selected either and haven’t been available since they were all crocked before Euro 2024.

The recent call offs have forced Clarke into naming a new-look squad, with six uncapped stars potentially in line for their first senior outing at international level.

Goalkeepers Jon McCracken and Robby McCrorie have both been called upon, but veteran stopper Craig Gordon is still expected to fill in for injured Gunn between the sticks.

In-form Aberdeen full-backs Nicky Devlin and Jack McKenzie have been rewarded for their stunning form under Jimmy Thelin this season, while Preston North End centre-back Liam Lindsay will also travel with the squad.

And former Hearts youngster Andy Irving – who is enjoying a stunning career turnaround at West Ham – could also feature for the Tartan Army for the first time of his career.

Celtic winger Forrest, 33, has been capped 39 times by Scotland and many fans believed he would pick up his 40th in Germany after being named in Clarke’s squad for Euro 2024.

But the wide-man never played a single minute in the competition as Scotland crashed out of the group stage without a win.