Scotland v Ukraine: Ryan Jack withdraws as Allan Campbell earns first call-up
- Published
Allan Campbell has been drafted into the Scotland squad after an impressive first season with Luton
World Cup play-off semi-final: Scotland v Ukraine | |
|---|---|
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Wednesday, 1 June Time: 19:45 BST | |
Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sportsound, and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website & app |
Ryan Jack is out of Scotland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine on Wednesday, with uncapped Allan Campbell drafted into the squad.
Midfielder Jack, who scored in Rangers' Scottish Cup final win over Hearts last weekend, has a calf problem.
He is also set to miss Sunday's final against Wales, should Scotland make it, and a Nations League triple-header.
The 30-year-old sat out the Euro 2020 finals last summer because of injury and was sidelined until November.
"It's a massive blow for Ryan because I know how much it means to him to play for his country," said coach Steven Naismith.
"Him and Callum [McGregor] had a great relationship, but Billy [Gilmour] has come in and done really well. It's probably the most competitive area of the pitch for us and that makes it slightly easier for the manager."
Jack's absence means a first call-up for Campbell, who helped Luton Town reach the Championship play-offs this season, with Naismith saying the 23-year-old has earned his chance "through hard work and determination".
'Patterson has two days to show he's ready'
The squad is already missing Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who is recovering from a knee operation, but Naismith revealed Nathan Patterson could feature against Ukraine at Hampden.
Everton full-back Patterson, 20, has not played since the end of March and is making his way back from ankle surgery.
"He's on the pitch," explained Naismith. "He's got the next two days to show that he's ready.
"I would compare him, in terms of his natural fitness, to Alan Hutton, who went through long periods of not playing but always performed well for Scotland.
"From that side of things, everyone is comfortable with it and he could be in contention."
'Robertson will be ready no matter what'
Nottingham Forrest defender Scott McKenna has Sunday's Championship play-off final to look forward to, while captain Andy Robertson will soon join the squad after playing for Liverpool in Saturday's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
"Naturally, he will be disappointed but his experience now of these kind of occasions is far greater than anyone else in the squad," said Naismith of Robertson.
"Once he comes in and the environment changes, the focus then changes. The rewards of this game are just as big, leading your country towards a World Cup.
"He's a class act, he's a leader and he understands what's at stake. He'll be ready no matter what."
