Scotland Squad Changes Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
World Cup Qualifying: Denmark vs. Scotland
Venue: Parken, Copenhagen Date: Friday, 5 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Live coverage available on BBC Scotland, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. Text updates will be provided on the BBC Sport website and app, and listeners can tune in on BBC Radio Scotland and Sounds.
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston have withdrawn from the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Belarus, leading to the call-up of Josh Doig as a replacement.
Both Tierney and Ralston played in Celtic's recent 0-0 draw against Rangers; however, Ralston appeared to sustain an injury during the Champions League play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty just days prior.
At 26, Ralston has previously started both legs of Scotland's Nations League play-off loss to Greece in March and earned his 21st cap during Scotland's 4-0 friendly victory over Liechtenstein in June.
With Tierney and Ralston unavailable, head coach Steve Clarke will rely on Max Johnston and Aaron Hickey as the remaining right-back options, while Doig, currently with Sassuolo, will enhance the left-back options.
Scotland's captain, Andy Robertson, has alternated between his natural left-back position and left wing-back in recent national team matches, while Doig holds one senior cap to his name.
Brentford's Aaron Hickey, now 23, is back in contention following a nearly two-year recovery from significant hamstring injuries. Clarke commented on Hickey's fitness, stating, "He’s good to go. Whether he’s good to go for 90 minutes over two games is a different conversation. We’ll manage him."
Scotland will kick off their campaign in Copenhagen on Friday before heading to Hungary to face Belarus on Monday, with both matches available for live viewing across the BBC.