Steve Clarke Explains Why Celtic Duo Dropped Out of Scotland Squad

Scotland begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Poland this evening, but only one Celt could be involved in the match.

Three bhoys were initially called up by Steve Clarke – Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor, and James Forrest – but two, somewhat surprisingly, were forced to drop out of the squad on Tuesday.

Indeed, both Taylor and Forrest won’t play a part in upcoming Games versus the Poles and Portuguese, with national team manager Steve Clarke serving to explain their dropouts.

The boss recently spoke to the media and provided an update on the duo’s condition.

“The two boys from Celtic who played at the weekend came in on Sunday night”, he said (The Scotsman).

“[They] got assessed by our medics and were sent home. It’s easy because they’re in Glasgow. So no big drama on that one.”

The national team wouldn’t have wanted to risk the fitness of Taylor and Forrest, which Celtic fans will be pleased to hear.

The extent of their injuries remains to be seen, but they were adjudged to be unfit enough to not take part in Games tonight (Thursday) and on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers will hope the bhoys recover in time to face Hearts a week on Saturday because the Hoops have an important run of Games post-international break.

They play the Jambos in the league before kicking off their Champions League campaign against Slovan Bratislava the midweek after. Falkirk then Travel to Glasgow in the league cup as the Celts aim to make it to the semi-finals.

Celtic having Taylor and Forrest fit and ready for those Games would be ideal.