Scott McKenna has withdrawn from the Scotland squad.
The defender has dropped out of Steve Clarke's pool of players ahead of the upcoming double-header against The Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
The 27-year-old is currently on loan at FC Copenhagen in Denmark after falling out of favour at Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Clarke last week conveyed his delight at the former Aberdeen centre-back getting a move to secure regular game time ahead of this summer's European Championships in Germany.
Scotland squad update.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 21, 2024
OUT: Scott McKenna #NEDSCO | #SCONIR
But the head coach, 60, will need to make do without McKenna for the next two friendly games, as he became the second defender along with Grant Hanley to pull out of the first 2024 camp.
“It’s good,” Clarke said when asked about McKenna's January switch. “I remember in the autumn games I was playing Scott and he wasn’t getting a game at Forest. I was actually playing him to try and keep him involved, keep him moving.
“It was nice that he got the move. I went to see him last week, I went to the Etihad to watch Scott play against Manchester City.
“I thought he did well. Plays in a good team. Copenhagen are starting to move up the Danish league as you get towards the business end of the season.
“A good move for Scott and I am pleased that he’s playing week in, week.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon insists playing for Scotland was never an option for him as he dream has always been to turn out for England.
READ MORE: Gordon insists Scotland was never an option over England
The Newcastle United winger is in Gareth Southgate's A team squad ahead of their two friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.
He's in line to make his first appearance for the Three Lions aged 23.
Steve Clarke is known to be an admirer of the former Everton attacker, with the play eligible to play for Scotland via the grandparent rule.
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