Steve Clarke's midweek comments regarding injuries could hint at the reason behind Ross Stewart's omission from the Scotland squad to face Austria. The former Kilmarnock boss said he would 'rotate more than usual' ahead of tonight's friendly.
The Black Cats striker was widely expected to earn his first international cap in tonight's friendly, after being an used substitute to face Poland in midweek. Speaking after the game, Clarke said he would be fair with the players in the squad, taking into account "club issues."
Unless a conversation has been had between the two parties, asking Stewart to be rested, then an injury may have ruled him out of tonight's game. The Sunderland striker has been the standout figure for Alex Neil's side this season and leads the goal scoring charts in League One.
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His call-up to the international team seemed like a matter of time, but he's been overlooked throughout the season. The press in Scotland believed Stewart was in line to make his debut in Vienna this evening but Clarke's comments last week could suggest why he isn't involved.
Clarke told the Scotsman : “Looking at the bigger picture and in terms of fairness to the players in the squad more than anything – taking the club issues – it’s a game I’ll probably rotate more than I usually would for the second game of an international break. It’s not too bad with the game being on a Tuesday night as they can recover Wednesday and Thursday, train Friday and be ready to go for the weekend - injuries permitting, of course.
“It doesn’t have much riding on it except you’re playing for your country and want to win and we want to continue the run we’re on.”
