MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 13: Steve Clarke, Head Coach of Scotland, looks on during a press conference ahead of their group stage match against Germany at Munich Football Arena on June 13, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Jasmin Walter - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Greg Taylor is about to formally drop out the Scotland squad.
The defender was named by Steve Clarke in his squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal but was replaced at half-time in Celtic’s Champions League defeat from Borussia Dortmund and missed Sunday’s win at Ross County.
Detail on the injury is scarce but after yesterday’s match it didn’t sound as if Brendan Rodgers was expecting to have the former Kilmarnock defender available to face Aberdeen on October 19.
Just after 6pm Scott Burns of the Daily Record reported:
Jack MacKenzie is set to join Aberdeen team-mate Nicky Devlin in the Scotland squad.
The left-back is about to be called in with Celtic’s Greg Taylor about to drop out. The 24-year-old will now team up with Steve Clarke’s squad for the Nations League clashes with Croatia and Portugal. Aberdeen have made an impressive start to the season. They have won all 13 games under new boss Jimmy Thelin and currently sit joint top of the Premiership with Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops.
Alex Valle has stepped in for Taylor in Celtic’s last two matches with the international break giving him additional time to settle in to life at Lennoxtown.
Being involved with Scotland is a boost for MacKenzie and Devin but it does give them a midweek distraction ahead of their visit to Celtic Park.
With Callum McGregor retired from international football it leaves James Forrest as the only Celtic player in the Scotland squad.
The Herald reports Rodgers saying:
Greg will just have to wait and see. I thought young Alex Valle did well today, especially in the second half. His positioning was a little bit better but Greg, we hope he’ll be back. If he’s not ready for Aberdeen, then not long after that.
Maybe best his injury ain’t too public – So as Sevco fans in opposition teams can’t target his specific ailment area !
A very strange ‘Sevco’ Blue That Stevie Clarke is sporting there !