MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 05:23:35| >> :120:81968:81968:

Callum Paterson replaces Oli McBurnie in Scotland squad

Callum Paterson replaces Oli McBurnie in Scotland squad
© Reuters
Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie followed fellow striker Lawrence Shankland in pulling out of Steve Clarke's squad.

Cardiff utility man Callum Paterson has been called into the Scotland squad after Oli McBurnie joined fellow striker Lawrence Shankland in pulling out.

Shankland withdrew after missing another Dundee United game on Saturday – an ankle injury has ruled him out since the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season on August 1.

No reason has been given for the withdrawal of McBurnie, who was talked up by Scotland boss Steve Clarke when he named his squad, but the centre-forward was not involved in a 22-man Sheffield United squad for a training-ground friendly against Hearts on Friday.

The two withdrawals have left Clarke further lacking in strikers so the versatile Paterson has been added to the party for upcoming Nations League games against Israel and the Czech Republic.

Clarke was already missing Leigh Griffiths, with the Celtic striker yet to feature this season and struggling with a calf injury. Steven Naismith was omitted from the squad after Hearts' pre-season was interrupted and United States-based Johnny Russell was unavailable because of coronavirus travel restrictions.

Oli Burke, who has flitted between the wing and a central role, and international newcomer Lyndon Dykes were the other two strike options in the original squad.

Former Hearts player Paterson has played up front for club and country, as well as right-back, but has mostly played in midfield for Cardiff.

Callum Paterson suffered agony on his last Scotland outing
Callum Paterson suffered agony on his last Scotland outing (PA)

The 25-year-old's previous Scotland appearance came in Alex McLeish's final game in charge, the 2-0 win in San Marino in March 2019.

He started up front but suffered an ankle injury which ended his season and he has had a long wait to get into Clarke's squad.

The powerful player has won most of his 12 caps at right-back and is yet to score an international goal but earlier this year he admitted he wanted to earn a recall as a striker or attacking midfielder, where he plays for his club.

He netted seven goals in 42 appearances for Cardiff last season.

ID:412317: cacheID:412317:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5518:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Lawrence Shankland in action for Scotland on October 13, 2019
Read Next:
Lawrence Shankland ruled out of Scotland squad due to ankle issue
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd21145230111945
2Leeds UnitedLeeds21126337152242
3Burnley2111822681841
4Sunderland21117332171540
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2011452517837
6Middlesbrough21104735251034
7Watford2010462926334
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2171132416832
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds218582630-429
10Swansea CitySwansea217682322127
11Bristol City216962626027
12Norwich CityNorwich216873632426
13Millwall206772018225
14Derby CountyDerby216692626024
15Coventry CityCoventry216692730-324
16Preston North EndPreston2141162127-623
17Stoke CityStoke215792328-522
18Queens Park RangersQPR2141072127-622
19Luton TownLuton2164112337-1422
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2046102133-1218
21Cardiff CityCardiff2046101932-1318
22Portsmouth193882134-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2045111942-2317
24Hull City2137111930-1116


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!