Croatia cancel St Andrews training camp over Covid rules fears

Croatia have cancelled plans to stay in St Andrews during the European Championships amid concerns over Covid restrictions.

Fears over self-isolation regulations is the main motive behind the move that comes after a recommendation from UEFA.

There was also a worry that restrictions could hinder the squad’s daily routine.

All three of Croatia’s group games will be played in the UK, with two in Glasgow and one in London.

However the 2018 World Cup finalists, who have Rangers defender Borna Barisic among their ranks, will now remain at their domestic camp in Rovinj during the tournament in which they will play Scotland, England and Czech Republic.

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic are also part of a star-studded 26-man squad who are sure to provide a tough test for Steve Clarke’s men in what will be their final group game.

Head coach Zlatko Dalic said: “Considering the present circumstances, I think this is the best option for the team.

“We know that we’ll have excellent conditions here, that the accommodation will be impeccable, and that the training ground is of high quality – in the limited amount of time we had to make this decision, no other location could guarantee us all of the above.

“We’ll do our best to keep the team isolated and in peace, but I’m sure that the support of Croatian fans here can only bring us extra energy and motivation.

“This is the best outcome that we could reach in these strange times, and we now have a unique opportunity to spend this tournament in our own country,”