Aaron Hickey called up to Scotland squad for Poland friendly
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Aaron Hickey, far left, has been rumoured to be on the radar of Manchester City on the back of his Serie A showings
Bologna's Aaron Hickey has been called up to Scotland's squad for next Thursday's friendly with Poland.
The Serie A defender, 19, has never been capped at under-21 or senior level but has turned out for Scotland's under-17 side.
Goalkeeper David Marshall, who featured at Euro 2020, and midfielders Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Jack are recalled.
But there is no place for Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser, despite two goals in his past seven appearances.
"I had a chat with Ryan," said Scotland coach Steve Clarke. "There was a situation in November where Ryan didn't come with the squad but trained with his club. Ryan has apologised for that situation.
"I decided not to pick him this squad and we have decided that Ryan's club form moving forward will determine if he is involved in the next camps. So it's down to Ryan how he plays for his club. He has done well recently. I've watched him live a couple of times."
Nathan Patterson remains in the squad, even though he has featured just once since joining Everton from Rangers in January, with Motherwell captain Stephen O'Donnell another option at right wing-back.
Hickey has established himself as a left-back, but can play on the right or in midfield. Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Greg Taylor can all play left-back or left wing-back.
And Clarke commented: "He has got hefty competition in front of him but it's a chance for me to have a look at Aaron up close. If you look at the course of the season and look at how Aaron has played for Bologna he is one of the standout young players in European football at the moment.
"Nathan Patterson got a fantastic move to Everton that hasn't quite worked out for him. It would have been difficult to pick Nathan for a competitive game being honest but going into a friendly situation it might be a chance for us to get minutes into Nathan's legs.
"There is a little issue with Lyndon Dykes. He hasn't played for a few weeks. We are hopeful Lyndon may be on the training pitch this week and may be involved at the weekend. If it doesn't work out in our favour we would need to call someone into the squad."
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Clarke's senior side are playing the Poles instead of their postponed World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine. The game will be played at Hampden with £10 from each ticket sold going to Unicef's response in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country.
Poland had been scheduled to play Russia on 24 March, but have been given a bye into a final with Czech Republic or Sweden on 29 March, with Russia removed from the qualification process.
Scotland and Ukraine hope to meet in June, with the winners going on to face either Wales or Austria, who meet in Cardiff next Thursday.
Clarke will take his side to play another friendly away to the losers of Wales v Austria on 29 March.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Motherwell), David Marshall (QPR).
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Norwich), Jack Hendry (Brugge), Hickey (Bologna), McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Stephen O'Donnell (Motherwell), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Greg Taylor (Celtic), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen), Billy Gilmour (Norwich, on loan from Chelsea), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Manchester United).
Forwards: Che Adams (Southampton), Jacob Brown (Stoke), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lyndon Dykes (QPR).