Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher, son of former Red Devil Darren, has been called up to Scotland’s World Cup squad as a replacement for Billy Gilmour – who was ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury on Saturday.
The Napoli midfielder hobbled off after damaging his knee during the first half of Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden Park – the team’s final game on home soil before jetting off to North America for the tournament.
The Scottish FA later revealed the severity of the 24-year-old’s injury, confirming he will not travel with the squad and will instead head back to Italy to begin his recovery.
Scott McTominay, Gilmour’s teammate for club and country, wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated for you brother. Football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”
Clarke had ‘no doubts’ about impressive Fletcher
Fletcher, who made his international debut in that friendly victory, has played more minutes for his country than at senior level for his club.
The 19-year-old came off the bench twice for United this season.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke sang the praises of the youngster after his debut, telling the BBC: “Everybody was impressed – the players were impressed, the coaching staff were impressed, I had no doubts.
“I actually thought about putting him on as Billy [Gilmour] came off but I just thought I’d have a little look, see how the game panned out before introducing him at half-time.”
Clarke’s side take on Bolivia on Saturday in their final warm-up game before opening their first World Cup campaign in 28 years against Haiti in Foxborough on 13 June.
