Scotland Hit by Double Injury Blow Ahead of Euro 2024

Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign faces setbacks as right-backs Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey are confirmed to miss the tournament due to injury, Assistant Manager John Carver disclosed.

Patterson, representing Everton, was advised surgery following a hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea last month. Similarly, Brentford's Hickey suffered a hamstring setback during the same fixture and has been sidelined since October.

The duo's absence adds to Scotland's woes, with Lewis Ferguson already ruled out due to cruciate ligament damage.

Carver stated, "You can also throw Nathan Patterson from Everton into that as well. It's three big players for us and three players who have done extremely well for us in the qualifiers and in recent times."

The vacancies in Steve Clarke's squad are now apparent, with Anthony Ralston of Celtic emerging as the sole right-sided wing-back during recent friendly defeats against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

Ross McCrorie of Bristol City, known for his versatility and experience at right-back, was a late addition to the squad.

While Stephen O'Donnell and Celtic's James Forrest have filled in at wing-back positions previously, the former has been absent from the squad for two years, while Forrest last featured in the European Championship three years ago.

Carver observed Aberdeen's 4-0 victory over Hibernian, noting the performances of Nicky Devlin and Chris Cadden at right-back, although attention was reportedly on Dons midfielder Connor Barron.

The setback underscores the challenge for Scotland in assembling a cohesive squad for the upcoming tournament.