OLI McBurnie is out of Scotland’s double header against Russia and San Marino due to injury, writes Stewart Fisher, with Steve Clarke opting to augment his midfield resources by calling-up Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
While the knock will deprive £20m man McBurnie of a futher chance to win over the Tartan Army, the former Celtic midfielder hasn’t started a single match for the South Coast club this season but he was next man up when Rangers’ midfielder Ryan Jack sustained a calf problem in Europa League action against Young Boys which will keep him sidelined for the next two weeks.
Midfield, though, is an area of comparative strength for Clarke’s group - certainly compared to defence and attack. With Grant Hanley, Liam Cooper, John Souttar, Craig Halkett all out of consideration due to injury, and Scott McKenna not rated as ready to return to international level yet, the former Kilmarnock manager turned on Sunday to Declan Gallagher of Motherwell to complete a group which already contains Charlie Mulgrew, Stuart Findlay and Michael Devlin. The call-up completes a remarkable recovery for a player who spent time in jail after being convicted of assualt back in 2015 and Reid expects him to take his chance. His aerial presence could be crucial against a Russia side who rely heavily on hulking target man Artem Dzyuba.
“Declan’s in on merit, he’s in on form,” said Steven Reid. “I think it’s well documented, he’s been remorseful of the incident that happened.It’s good to have him involved and I’m looking forward to working with him this week. It’s a second chance and hopefully he grasps it with both hands.”
“It’s no secret we’ve had a lot of injuries, especially in the defensive department. But you might get one or two come in and get a chance and get people buzzing and talking, an unexpected diamond who comes in and does really well.”
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