Bologna’s Aaron Hickey one of the best young defenders in Europe – Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke described Aaron Hickey as one of Europe’s outstanding young players after handing the Bologna full-back his first Scotland call-up.

The 19-year-old Serie A regular has turned down several call-ups to the under-21s, including a recent invite to be selected for upcoming European qualifiers, with his previous international experience limited to three caps with the under-17 team in early 2019.

However, the former Hearts player joins fellow left-backs Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Greg Taylor in the squad for games against Poland and either Wales or Austria.

Scotland head coach Clarke said: “If you look at the way Aaron has played for Bologna over the course of the season, he is one of the stand-out young players in European football.

“It’s a chance for me to have a look at Aaron and compare Aaron with the left-backs or left wing-backs we have already got in the squad, who are pretty decent themselves.”

There is no place for Ryan Fraser, who pulled out of the squad for the final World Cup qualifying group matches in November only to be pictured training with newly-appointed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe two days later.

“Ryan has apologised for that situation,” Clarke said. “I had a good chat with him. I decided not to pick him in this camp and we have agreed that Ryan’s club form going forward will determine whether he is involved in the next camps. Basically it’s down to how Ryan plays for his club.”

David Marshall has won a recall with Motherwell’s Liam Kelly preferred to St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark and John McLaughlin of Rangers as back-up to first-choice Craig Gordon.

“Obviously David lost his place in the Derby team, probably due to financial circumstances as much as anything,” Clarke said.

“He