Kieran Tierney released by Scotland due to 'loading issue'
Scott McTominay and Robert Snodgrass also pull out of squad
Saturday 13 October 2018 22:58, UK
Kieran Tierney has been released from the Scotland squad to avoid burnout, with Scott McTominay and Robert Snodgrass withdrawing due to injury.
Scotland's coaching staff recognise Tierney has played a lot of football this season and have allowed him to return to Celtic to rest. The 21-year-old has featured in 22 matches this term.
"The medical team said he had a bit of fatigue and we felt it was right and proper that he should go back to his club," said Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
"There's always a frustration with call-offs but we were looking to maybe change the personnel."
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Scott McTominay became the latest player to withdraw from the Scotland squad for the friendly against Portugal when he was forced to concede defeat in his bid to overcome a knee problem for the game - live on Sky Sports.
The Manchester United midfielder missed Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Israel in the UEFA Nations League defeat and has not recovered in time to feature at Hampden Park.
"Scott has returned to Manchester United," the SFA said. "He trained today [Saturday] and was hopeful he would be fit for tomorrow but isn't going to be ready."
McTominay last played for Scotland when he came on as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 win over Albania in the Nations League in September.
Hearts' John Souttar and Blackburn's Charlie Mulgrew have also left the squad due to injury.
Celtic's Ryan Christie and Aberdeen duo Michael Devlin and Gary Mackay-Steven have been called up by McLeish in their place.
Mulgrew and Souttar both picked up problems during Thursday's match, while Snodgrass was not deemed fit enough to make the bench.
Scotland started with Tierney, Mulgrew and Souttar in a back three on Thursday, but it looks increasingly likely McLeish will opt for a back four against Portugal with only three recognised centre-backs left in his squad.
