Scotland boss Steve Clarke has revealed ‘circumstances’ were the reason Anthony Ralston was snubbed for his first call-up.
The Celtic defender has been in great form for his club but has been nowhere near the set up despite injuries.
Andy Robertson played right wing back in the first game with Nathan Patterson and Stephen O’Donnell isolating, before the Rangers youngster started against Moldova.
It’s likely to be O’Donnell who is in against Austria with Patterson out of the squad with an injury, while Paul McGinn was called up as his replacement.
Many felt Ralston should have been named in the squad but Clarke has revealed it was a late decision to get McGinn in.
The Hibs defender has been part of the squad before and that offers an advantage ahead of a must-win game against Austria.
And Clarke also admitted the uncapped defender isn’t the first player they tried to get into the squad.
He said: “Circumstances dictate that Paul was the player we brought in.
“He wasn’t on stand-by because I didn’t think I was going to lose Ryan Fraser especially who can cover at right wing-back.
“That was a late one but we managed to get Paul Covid tested and into the camp.
“He’s not the first one we tried to bring in over the camp. But circumstances sometimes go against you and you don’t manage to get the boys in.”
