Head coach Steve Clarke has confirmed that Craig Gordon and John Souttar are the two players to miss out on his Scotland squad for Euro 2024.
Clarke has had to deal with a number of injury issues ahead of the tournament in Germany, seeing the likes of Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes drop out over the past seven days.
However, with Lewis Morgan and Tommy Conway being drafted in as much-needed attackers, the scenario regarding omitting players did not really change.
Prior to Friday’s international friendly against Finland, reports emerged that Gordon and Souttar would be the players to miss out on a place on the plane.
On a night where the Tartan Army let slip a 2-0 lead to draw with the Scandinavian nation, Clarke has made that decision official and explained his reasoning.
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What did Clarke have to say?
Despite being left out of the squad for a major tournament, 41-year-old Gordon was still provided with the opportunity to make his 75th cap as a 69th-minute substitute against Finland.
Commenting on that decision, Clarke told BBC Scotland: “Both conversations were really tough but the one with Craig was particularly emotional.
“I promised I’d put him on the pitch tonight. I don’t want to be the guy that left him out of the Euros and didn’t give him his 75th cap.
“I’m sure Craig, the person he is, the manner he’s got, the determination he’s got to prove people wrong, it won’t stop at 75. He’s still going at 41 but it’s not in his mind so it’s not going to be in my mind.”
As for Souttar, Clarke said that he felt that he had ‘enough cover on the right’, while that also applies to the centre with 10 defenders being registered in the squad.
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Scotland to look ahead to Euro 2024
Clarke and his players now have a week to prepare for their opening fixture, the meeting with hosts Germany taking place on the first day of the tournament.
Scotland have only recorded one win in their last nine outings, a 2-0 success away at minnows Gibraltar earlier this week.
Scotland squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Zander Clark (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Motherwell)
Defenders: Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Real Sociedad), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Scott McKenna (FC Copenhagen), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Greg Taylor (Celtic), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City)
Midfielders: Callum McGregor (Celtic), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Brighton & Hove Albion), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Ryan Jack (Rangers)
Attackers: Che Adams (Southampton), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Tommy Conway (Bristol City), James Forrest (Celtic), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)
