Scotland: Kieran Tierney out of Spain and France matches as Liam Cooper, Greg Taylor and Jacob Brown called up
Liam Cooper, Greg Taylor and Jacob Brown recalled to the Scotland squad while Kieran Tierney, Elliot Anderson and Lawrence Shankland miss out; Scotland are away to Spain in a Euro 2024 qualifier on October 12 then face France in a friendly on October 17
Wednesday 4 October 2023 15:49, UK
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has made three changes to his squad for a potentially decisive Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain and friendly in France.
Leeds United's Liam Cooper returns to the group alongside fellow defender Greg Taylor of Celtic, while Kieran Tierney misses out due to a hamstring injury suffered on loan at Real Sociedad.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has also been left out, as has Newcastle United's Elliot Anderson who withdrew from the previous group amid uncertainty over his allegiance - while Luton Town's Jacob Brown returns.
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Liverpool's Ben Doak had been tipped for a call-up to the senior group but has instead been included in the U21 squad.
"First and foremost it's a shame for Kieran," Clarke said. "He got a really good move on loan to Sociedad, started really well and obviously picked up what looks like quite a significant injury.
"We will miss him but I know Kieran, he will work as hard as he can to get back as quickly as possible, and we will be there to support him, and hopefully we are waiting on the other side for him as well with some good news.
"The squad is strong, I believe I have good options. It's nice to be able to call on people like Greg Taylor, who has started the season well with Celtic. Liam Cooper has come back to the squad as well, which gives me another option.
"I had a chat with Lawrence, no problems. It was just a decision I wanted to make for this camp.
"Obviously Lawrence was in the last camp but didn't get any minutes on the pitch and I felt there could be a similar scenario this time.
"I also wanted to have a look at Jacob because he has started quite well at Luton, playing week in, week out in the Premier League."
How can Scotland reach Euro 2024?
Scotland will qualify for Euro 2024 next Thursday if they beat Spain in Seville, or if Norway fail to beat Cyprus on the same night.
Should results fail to go in Scotland's favour - they could still claim qualification on October 15 if Spain avoid defeat against Norway.
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Even if Clarke's side go into next month's qualifiers having failed to clinch a spot at the Euros, they know a win in Georgia on November 16 would be enough.
Scotland are top of group A with five wins from five, and are six points clear of Spain who have played one game less.
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly.
Defenders: Liam Cooper, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Ryan Porteous, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Greg Taylor.
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Jack, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay.
Forwards: Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown, Kevin Nisbet.
No talks with Barnes and Anderson
Clarke admitted he was "nowhere" with the possibility of Newcastle pair Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson being involved.
Whitley Bay-born Anderson last week indicated he wanted more time to consider his international future, having left the last Scotland camp after two days following his first call-up to the full squad.
England cap Barnes was recently reported to be considering a switch of allegiance but was last week ruled out for three months with a foot injury.
Clarke said: "I haven't spoken to Harvey for a long time, so nothing on that one.
"Similar with Elliot, he left the last camp and I haven't spoken to him since. I haven't picked him for this camp and I move on and work with the players we have got."
Clarke would not rule out picking Anderson again "if he doesn't choose England" but added: "Listen, Elliot is a young man making his way in the game. He has got a big decision to make, international-wise, so let's just give the boy a little bit of time and space to make that decision."
Scotland's upcoming fixtures
October 12: Spain (a), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 7.45pm
October 17: France (a), friendly, 8pm
November 16: Georgia (a), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 5pm
November 19: Norway (h), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 7.45pm