Scotland’s national team is optimistic that Scott McTominay will be available for their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday, despite the midfielder missing training on Thursday due to a stomach issue.
McTominay, regarded as one of Scotland’s key players, was notably absent during a final training session led by head coach Steve Clarke in North Carolina before the team heads to Boston. This match marks Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Inside the team’s camp, sources indicate that McTominay’s absence was a precautionary measure rather than a serious concern about missing the match. Clarke is expected to provide an update on McTominay’s condition, as well as any other potential player issues, during his pre-match press conference on Friday. McTominay had delivered an impressive performance in Scotland’s 4-0 victory over Bolivia last Sunday, which served as their final warm-up match.
“Hopefully that doesn’t spread,” said McTominay’s teammate Kenny McLean. “I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scott will be fine. Everybody knows what Scott brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us. For all that it has been a team effort [to qualify], and always will be a real team effort, we have special players at the core.
“He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team. He is a big character around the place, but it is a team effort and I’m sure Scott would be the first to say that.
“I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scott will be fine. Everybody knows what Scott brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us. For all that it has been a team effort [to qualify], and always will be a real team effort, we have special players at the core. “He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team. He is a big character around the place, but it is a team effort and I’m sure Scott would be the first to say that. “He is desperate to play and his preparations have been amazing apart from maybe something he has eaten somewhere along the line.”
In addition, Scott McKenna’s training has been managed due to a minor injury, leading to Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley emerging as likely candidates to fill the center-back position against Haiti. McLean expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “We are fortunate we have looked after ourselves as well as we could and we are as ready as we can be,”
“Minutes were spread out over the couple of friendly games and I think everybody is in great shape. The training has been amazing, intense when it has to be, and we cannot complain about the preparations. “It has always been the case that we push each other and help each other and try to get the best out of each other. That has always happened with every position in this squad. “The manager picks the squad based on what he is going to get out of everybody and what we are going to get out of each other. Competition for places is strong. Everybody wants the same outcome.”
McLean emphasized the competitive spirit within the squad, noting, “It has always been the case that we push each other and help each other and try to get the best out of each other. That has always happened with every position in this squad.”
He concluded, “The manager picks the squad based on what he is going to get out of everybody and what we are going to get out of each other. Competition for places is strong. Everybody wants the same outcome.”
