Eleven Scotland U21 players miss club games after covid outbreak

Eleven Scotland Under-21 players will miss games for their clubs over the next two weeks after an outbreak of coronavirus during the international break.

Earlier this week, Livingston goalkeeper Robby McCrorie tested positive for the virus but STV has learned that a further two Premiership players who were in the squad for Wednesday’s Euro qualifier in Greece have now returned positive tests.

As a result of the outbreak, emergency talks involving the Scottish FA, Scottish Government and health authorities took place on Saturday morning before the weekend’s fixtures.

Following the meeting, it has been revealed that a further eight players and two coaches will now have to self-isolate under the rules about close contact.

An SFA spokesperson said: “Following the return of the Scotland Under-21s squad on Wednesday, the Scottish FA has been informed that three players have since tested positive for COVID-19 during their routine pre-match testing at their respective clubs.

“A meeting involving the Scottish Government’s COVID experts took place this morning and after reviewing all relevant information from the Under-21 Team Manager and COVID officer, they identified a further eight players and two staff members considered to be close contacts.

“As a result, the three positive cases will require to self-isolate for 10 days from November 20, and the 10 close contacts to self-isolate for 14 days from November 20.

“The close contacts were established using aircraft and bus manifests, in adherence to government protocols that consider close contacts to be two rows either side of a positive case.

“We have informed all clubs affected by the positive cases or close contacts in advance of matches taking place this weekend.”

Scotland under-21s manager Scot Gemmill had named a 22-man squad for the international break. The team drew 2-2 with Croatia on November 12 before travelling to Greece, where a 1-0 defeat ended hopes of reaching the Euro 2021 finals.

The squad returned to Scotland on Thursday with players returning to their clubs ahead of the weekend fixtures.