Scotland squad: Steve Clarke discusses Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Ryan Fraser

Steve Clarke has confirmed that Aaron Hickey’s previous reluctance to play for the Under 21s will not count against him after he was named in the full Scotland squad.

The Bologna full-back is making what some consider to be a belated appearance at full international level.

Although still only 19, he has been playing regularly in Serie A since last year but pulled out of an Under-21 squad in November due to tiredness. It was reported as recently as last week that he had asked not to be considered for their games against Turkey and Kazakhstan later this month. “He has his own thoughts and we have to accept that,” said manager Scot Gemmill.

Hickey has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence in European football after breaking through at Hearts. He is also versatile and can play at left or right-back as well as left or right wing-back, which is how Clarke tends to set out his team. Hickey has not been capped since Under-17 level.

“He’s adaptable,” said Clarke. “I’ve seen him playing a couple of games off the right for Bologna and he did okay. He can play off the left. In our group he’s obviously got competition with the captain Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney in front of him.

“It gives me a chance to see Aaron up close in a training camp.”

Scotland are currently short on options on the right in marked contrast to the left, where Robertson and Tierney operate.

One option is Nathan Patterson although he has found it hard breaking into the Everton team since joining the Goodison Park club from Rangers during the last transfer window. He has only started once – against non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup – and was replaced at half-time.

Clarke has included the 19-year-old for the friendlies against Poland and the losers of