Scotland is optimistic that Scott McTominay will be ready to compete against Haiti this Saturday, despite the midfielder missing Thursday’s training session due to a stomach issue.
McTominay, regarded as one of Scotland’s key players, was notably absent as manager Steve Clarke prepared his squad for their final practice in North Carolina before heading to Boston. This match marks Scotland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus.
Inside the team, it is believed that McTominay’s absence from training was a precautionary measure rather than a sign of a serious health concern. Clarke is expected to provide updates on McTominay’s condition, as well as any other players affected, during his pre-match press conference on Friday. The midfielder showcased his skills in Scotland’s recent 4-0 victory over Bolivia, delivering a strong performance.
“Hopefully that doesn’t spread,” said Kenny McLean, McTominay’s teammate. “I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scott will be fine. Everybody knows what Scott brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us. For all that it has been a team effort [to qualify], and always will be a real team effort, we have special players at the core.
“He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team. He is a big character around the place, but it is a team effort and I’m sure Scott would be the first to say that.
“I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scott will be fine. Everybody knows what Scott brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us. For all that it has been a team effort [to qualify], and always will be a real team effort, we have special players at the core. “He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team. He is a big character around the place, but it is a team effort and I’m sure Scott would be the first to say that. “He is desperate to play and his preparations have been amazing apart from maybe something he has eaten somewhere along the line.”
In addition to McTominay’s situation, Scott McKenna has had his training managed due to a minor injury, leading Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley to be the likely choices for the center-back position against Haiti. McLean expressed confidence in the team’s readiness: “We are fortunate we have looked after ourselves as well as we could and we are as ready as we can be,” he stated.
“Minutes were spread out over the couple of friendly games and I think everybody is in great shape. The training has been amazing, intense when it has to be, and we cannot complain about the preparations.
“Minutes were spread out over the couple of friendly games and I think everybody is in great shape. The training has been amazing, intense when it has to be, and we cannot complain about the preparations. “It has always been the case that we push each other and help each other and try to get the best out of each other. That has always happened with every position in this squad. “The manager picks the squad based on what he is going to get out of everybody and what we are going to get out of each other. Competition for places is strong. Everybody wants the same outcome.”
