Emotional Matty Cash proud of Poland's efforts to support Ukraine as boss backs World Cup bye ahead of Scotland friendly

Poland ace Matty Cash has opened up on his heartache at the awful scenes in Ukraine.

The Aston Villa defender qualifies for Czeslaw Michniewicz’s squad thanks to his Polish mum but his family ties stretch even further east into their war-torn neighbour.

His grandfather Ryszard Tomaszewski was born in 1936 in the city of Stanislawow, which was then part of the second Polish republic but now lies within Ukraine’s borders.

Cash and his side should have been preparing to take on Russia this week in their World Cup play-off semi-final but are instead now in Glasgow for the friendly clash with Scotland after FIFA handed them a bye in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s vile invasion.

“It’s so sad,” said the Slough-born right-back. “It’s a really sad moment for everyone especially in Ukraine and our thoughts go to everybody affected by it.

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“Hopefully it can stop soon. It’s not a good time so everybody’s thoughts are with them.

“At a time like this it’s a very difficult time. I’m in England but like everybody I see a lot of stuff on the news.

“For everybody around the world it’s a difficult time. Poland as a country is doing a lot for the people of Ukraine.”

The Poles will get their chance to realise their desert