Ryan Fraser's Scotland won't face Ukraine in March as World Cup play-off semi-final postponed

Scotland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine has been postponed. The nations were set to meet at Hampden Park on Thursday, March 24.

However, Ukraine requested to FIFA that they should move the game back following Russia's invasion of the country. The other tie between Wales and Austria has also been called off and discussions are underway for a new date, with the Nations League window in June the most likely date.

This means that Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser will now not be in competitive action for Scotland in the upcoming international break. Steve Clarke's side haven't yet got a friendly arranged in case they qualified for the final at the Cardiff City Stadium, but could schedule one in the meantime.

The World Cup finals are set to take place from 21 November to 18 December in Qatar, with England, Spain, Germany, France and Denmark amongst the European nations to already qualify. And Scotland could find out their fate in June depending on how the FIFA decide to schedule it.

The teams are expected to face each other on Nations League duty in the summer, with each side already set to play four games during that break, which could make a rearranged game complicated. But Ukraine's situation has been taken into consideration given that 15 of the 23-man squad play in their homeland.

Speaking last week, Scottish FA president Rod Petrie offered his Ukrainian counterpart support as the nations held talks with Fifa over moving this month's tie.

"Football is inconsequential amid conflict," said Petrie. "But we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days. [The SFA] have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues' preparations as best we can in