European Qualifiers: James McArthur forced to pull out of Scotland squad after suffering injury
Thursday 13 November 2014 19:14, UK
James McArthur has been ruled out of Scotland's European Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland with a calf injury.
The 27-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder suffered the problem during a training session with the national side and will miss Friday’s Group D clash at Celtic Park.
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McArthur's absence is a fresh concern for Scots boss Gordon Strachan, who has already been forced to cope with the withdrawals of Stoke defender Phil Bardsley and Derby forward Craig Bryson.
Treatment
Fellow Rams player Johnny Russell and Hearts defender Callum Paterson have been called up by Strachan as he prepares for the visit of the Irish and Tuesday's match against England at the same venue.
McArthur has returned to his club and will be joined in the treatment room by Palace striker Kevin Doyle after he departed the Republic squad with a groin problem.
Scotland sit fourth in the group on four points, three points adrift of the Irish who lie in second place behind Poland on goal difference.
Watch Scotland take on the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 7pm this Friday.
