What really cost John Souttar his Scotland Euro 2024 spot as Steve Clarke's hailed for 'classy' Craig Gordon touch

Andy Halliday has been left wondering whether John Souttar's Scotland omission for Euro 2024 was down to a race against time to recover fully from injury.

The Rangers defender was named by Steve Clarke in his provisional 28-man squad but failed to feature in any of the two final warm-up matches against Gibraltar in Faro and Finland at Hampden on Friday night as the Tartan Army got the chance to send off their heroes in a farewell encounter. The stopper wasn't included in the squad for either match from the off or the bench with defensive colleagues like Grant Hanley and Liam Cooper - who have struggled for consistent club minutes - getting vital game time.

A final decision has now been reached by Clarke and his Scotland staff with Hearts veteran and national team legend Craig Gordon joining Souttar in dropping out of the squad to confirm the 26-man pool boarding the flight to Germany. The 41-year-old was brought on as a late substitute for Angus Gunn at Hampden with the home support giving him a standing ovation in what could end up being his final appearance for his country.

On the decision to take Gordon and Souttar out of the squad, Halliday told Sky Sports: "When I seen the provisional 28-man squad and see four goalkeepers you always felt one was going to miss out. I just felt that Craig having that double-leg break and only making seven appearances this season.

"On the flip side, when you look at Liam Kelly, he's just broke a 10-year SPL record of 132 consecutive starts. I always felt if it was going to be one it was going to be Craig but it was fantastic to see him make what could potentially be his Scotland farewell last night. I thought it was a classy touch from Steve Clarke. He will obviously feel very