Declan Gallagher has "qualities" for Scotland's Nations League crunches, says boss

Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he had no hesitation in calling up Declan Gallagher for the crucial Nations League double-header, saying the defender has "qualities" they might need against Ireland and Ukraine.

The 31-year-old from Blantyre was drafted in following injury to Nathan Patterson, who has returned to Everton for assessment following a knock he picked up in the 3-0 Hampden win over Ukraine on Wednesday.

Scotland host Ireland on Saturday, visiting Ukraine on Tuesday to close their group stage. Clarke pointed to the former Motherwell captain's performances that helped his side reach the European Championships, most notably when he kept Serbian ace Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet.

The Scotland boss said: "I know Declan from when he was in the squad before. He's got experience - don't forget he was part of the Euro 2020 squad and he had a fantastic match away in Serbia against Mitrovic so he's got the qualities we might need over the next two games."

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