Man Utd prospect replaces injured Billy Gilmour in Scotland World Cup squad
Billy Gilmour suffered a nightmare injury on Saturday that has ruled him out of the World Cup and Scotland manager Steve Clarke has turned to a Manchester United teenager to replace him.
Scotland played Curacao in a pre-tournament friendly at Hampden on Saturday, winning 4-1 but suffering a huge blow in the process.
The Napoli midfielder started the match but was taken off just before half-time after suffering a knee injury.
It looked very concerning and it was confirmed on Saturday evening that the 24-year-old will not be fit enough to play at this summer’s World Cup.
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The Scotland team’s official X account posted: ‘We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curaçao will rule him out of participation in @FIFAWorldCup. We’re all with you, Billy.’
Clearly it is heartbreaking news for the 45-cap midfielder and also a blow to Scotland, who will be without one of their better players.
Clarke spoke out on the players he has on standby as possible Gilmour replacements and suggested that Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher might be at the front of the queue.
The 19-year-old came on at half-time on Saturday to make his senior debut and thoroughly impressed the Scotland boss.
‘I’ve got Connor Barron, Andy Irving, Lennon Miller, and you see for yourself how good young Tyler is,’ Clarke said.
‘The three that I mentioned are on standby. Obviously, Tyler joined us this week. He’s trained well this week, so he’s a little bit closer than the other three, but I’d need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go.’
It has now been confirmed on Sunday morning that Fletcher has got the nod and the son of former United midfielder Darren will be going to the World Cup, hoping to add to his one cap on the sport’s biggest stage.
Fletcher was born in Manchester and represented England at Under-16 level, but switched to represent Scotland and has come through the youth ranks to Under-21 and now senior level.
The teenage midfielder has made just two senior appearances for the Red Devils but has made the most of his time with the Scotland squad to catch the eye of Clarke.
Clarke added on Gilmour’s injury nightmare: ‘I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel, and we all feel for him.
‘He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person, and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.’
Gilmour’s teammate for both club and country, Scott McTominay, posted a message of support to his friend on social media.
‘Absolutely devastated for you brother, football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up,’ the Napoli star wrote on Instagram. ‘The players, staff and country love you.’
from Metro https://ift.tt/ZuR3Skc
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