Skip to content

Paul McGinn and Andy Considine added to Scotland squad for Nations League games

Watch Scotland's Nations League game vs Slovakia live on Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm on Sunday

Paul McGinn has made 10 appearances for Hibs so far this season
Image: Paul McGinn has made 10 appearances for Hibs so far this season

Hibernian's Paul McGinn and Andy Considine of Aberdeen have been called up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League games against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The uncapped pair have been called up after national team manager Steve Clarke suffered six withdrawals in the build-up to Thursday's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final penalty shoot-out win against Israel.

Considine, 33, is a former Under-21 international who has spent his entire club career with Aberdeen.

Hibernian full-back McGinn, 29, joins his brother, Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, in the squad.

Live UEFA Nations League

Clarke's initial 26-man selection was severely hit by coronavirus issues and injuries earlier in the week.

Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie were both ordered to self-isolate after Stuart Armstrong tested positive for Covid-19, while forward Oliver Burke and defenders Scott McKenna and Liam Palmer all pulled out injured.

A 14-day isolation means Kieran Tierney is also set to miss Arsenal's match at Manchester City on October 17
Image: A 14-day isolation means Kieran Tierney is also set to miss Arsenal's match at Manchester City on October 17

Clarke's side overcame the late disruption to set up a Euro 2020 play-off final against Serbia next month after winning the national team's first-ever penalty shoot-out following their first extra-time in almost five decades.

Also See:

And with Hampden Park games to follow on Sunday against Slovakia and the Czechs three days later, Clarke hopes to ease the burden on his players.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher believes more and more Scottish players are having an influence in the Premier League

"We are going to have to come down, unwind a little bit," he said.

"I am missing a few players through different circumstances, so we are going to have to have a look and get some players to join us to boost the squad.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the Euro 2020 qualifying play-off match between Scotland and Israel

"It was a big effort over 120 minutes for a lot of the players and it's going to be almost impossible for them to play the next two games, a full 90 minutes.

"There is a little bit of thinking to do for the coaches and hopefully we come up with the right formation for the next two games."

International Break? Not For Super 6!
International Break? Not For Super 6!

During the brief international break, there is still £250,000 up for grabs with Super 6. Play for free, entries by 3pm Saturday.

Around Sky