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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

John Carver provides update on Scotland training absentees

John Carver has cleared up any fitness concerns surrounding a number of Scotland players.

Scott McTominay, John Souttar, Scott McKenna, Ben Doak and Stuart Armstrong all didn't take part in full training today as the national team squad met up at Lesser Hampden today. 

Their absence has raised alarm bells amongst the Tartan Army, with Scotland kicking off Euro 2024 against Germany in just 15 days time. 

But assistant coach, Carver, has poured cold water on any doubts around their availability and detailed more about each star's condition.

On the absentees, Carver said: "They are just getting a little more time. A couple of them, Stuart Armstrong and John Souttar, they did a little bit of work when we finished. 

"We are delighted with everybody who has turned up in good condition and we are quite happy with their progress.

“Stuart and Souttar both trained after us, looked really good, looked like there were no issues.

“Obviously Ben and Scott McTominay did their own stuff, but hopefully by the time we get to at least the second game (against Finland), we’re hoping that everybody’s going to be in condition, before Steve obviously makes that decision after the Finland game.”

Two players are going to be cut from the current 28-strong group come June 7 as Steve Clarke is forced to name his final 26-man squad for the tournament. 

And Carver has kept the door open to everyone and insisted the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland next week will provide the perfect chance to influence any selection decisions. 

"Lets not forget that we've got two games before we go out to Germany," Carver stated.

"So, they are going to be very important. Players are going to get time on the grass and on the pitch and it's an opportunity for them to stake a claim.

"If it was me, I'd be so determined to make sure that I turned up in those two games and performed well.

"There's an opportunity still there because we haven't made a final decision. Everybody has an opportunity so let's see where it takes them.

“I think the majority of the group will play in the two games. That’s what we spoke about because it’s about giving them some game time as well. And obviously we’ve got one or two lads in there that we need to see play as well and prove their fitness.”

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