Steve Clarke CAN'T banish Scotland defection fears over Elliot Anderson as he admits 'it's not something I can control'

Steve Clarke has NOT shut down the notion that Elliot Anderson's exit from the Scotland squad has anything to do with him swithering on his international future.

The Newcastle United midfielder provided a major Tartan Army boost by declaring his allegiances were with those in navy blue, having also been eligible for England. But he will not be capped by Scotland this international window in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus and Hampden showdown with the Auld Enemy next week after pulling up injured.

In theory, Anderson could decide to change his mind as he has not been capped fully at senior level and only with the youth levels. But Clarke in his pre-match press conference says he's only out of this squad because of his injury. Asked about fears the midfielder could switch his allegiances to England, he said: “It’s not something I can control. There’s not a lot I can do about it.”

Asked about if he sought any assurances from the midfielder, Clarke was blunt. He said: "No, just went home."

Liam Kelly has also dropped out of the squad. The Motherwell goalkeeper has been replaced by Rangers' Robby McCrorie after picking up a back injury.

Clarke added on the injury front: "It’s disappointing to lose Elliot and Liam [Kelly] on the same day but that’s part and parcel of international football, you just deal with it.

"We’ve had to replace Liam because we couldn’t come with two goalkeepers so we’ve brought in young Robby [McCrorie]. He’s been part of the squad before and understands. I didn’t need to replace Elliot because we’ve got enough midfield players.”

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