Surprise Ben Doak Liverpool absence has a reason as Jurgen Klopp reveals blow for his other Scotland star

Rising star Ben Doak has been dealt a blow in his bid to gatecrash Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad.

The Liverpool wonderkid is hoping to make a late bid to break into gaffer Steve Clarke 's plans for the tournament - and will be looking to ramp up his minutes in the English Premier League to make a case to be on the flight to Germany. He has been a regular for the Scotland U21 side but Clarke opted to call up Sturm Graz prospect Max Johnston over Scot Gemmill's squad rather than Doak for the France friendly.

And the 17-year-old's prospects of being at Euro 2024 were dealt another blow as he joined Scotland skipper Andy Robertson on the sidelines at Anfield. He missed the Merseyside derby victory over Everton having been a part of Jurgen Klopp ’s first-team squad so far this term as he learns from superstars like Mo Salah.

And Klopp explained why the Celtic academy graduate missed the game. He said pre-match before facing the Toffees: "Ben Doak from Scotland has a little muscle thing. So we have to see (how long he is out for) but is not available for the weekend."

Doak netted his first U21 goal from the penalty spot in the 3-1 win over Hungary. However, he was replaced after 61 minutes at Fir Park.