Norwich City star's injury leaves national team boss gutted after losing 'crucial' squad member to broken toe

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has been left gutted for Cambuslang's Kenny McLean as a toe injury rules him out of the World Cup play-offs.

The Norwich City midfielder suffered the knock during the Canaries' fight for English Premier League survival, which ultimately ended in relegation.

Championship football awaits him next season but he won't get the chance to put that disappointment behind him with Scotland.

McLean's broken toe concern will prove too much to overcome and will miss next month's matches against Ukraine and potentially Wales, along with three Nations League fixtures.

It's the battle against Ukraine on June 2nd that everyone has their eyes on, with victory in that play-off semi-final booking a winner takes all battle with the Welsh to see who makes this winter's World Cup in Qatar.

Hailing from Cambuslang, the former Aberdeen midfielder missed Euro 2020 last summer with injury, and Clarke is gutted for him.

He said: "I'm disappointed for Kenny McLean, who has missed out again. He missed out on the Euros with an injury and he's missed out again with a broken toe.

"That is disappointing for us and disappointing for him as he is a crucial part of the squad.

"I think you’ll find our lads will be motivated to get to Qatar. We’ve waited a long time for this situation. It’s difficult for a country like Scotland to qualify for a World Cup.

“It’s difficult to put yourselves in this position, where we are two games away from going to Qatar. Myself, my staff and my players are all determined to be there.

"It's a game of football. They want to win and we want to win. I think it will be a good game, I really do.”

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