Denmark v Scotland: Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston drop out of squad as Josh Doig called up

Steve Clarke has called Josh Doig into the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers after Celtic duo Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston pulled out.

The national team boss is preparing his side for the back-to-back away games against Denmark and Belarus, which will have a major say on whether Scotland reach next year’s World Cup finals.

He’ll now have to rethink his plans for Friday’s opening match in Copenhagen after Ralston and Tierney’s withdrawal due to injury was confirmed.

Ralston appeared to have picked up an injury against Kairat Almaty in last week’s Champions League play-off but he did play against Rangers on Sunday. The exact reason for Tierney’s withdrawal is not known but the defender has not finished a game for Celtic since signing from Arsenal in the summer.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson is expected to start at left-back on Friday night, with Doig in reserve, while Max Johnston and fit-again Aaron Hickey are in contention at right-back.

The national team are beginning a short six-game qualification campaign, with Greece the other opposition in Group C.

The group winners will qualify directly for next year’s World Cup in North America, with the runners-up progressing to the play-offs.