Scotland have been handed a major boost ahead of their opening World Cup clash against Haiti after Steve Clarke confirmed that Scott McTominay is fit and available for selection.
The Napoli midfielder sparked concern among supporters earlier this week when he missed a training session in North Carolina due to a stomach complaint.
With Scotland preparing for their first World Cup match since 1998, fears quickly emerged that the country’s most influential player could miss the historic opener.
McTominay was absent from training on Thursday and travelled separately from the rest of the squad as a precaution, leading to speculation over his availability.
However, speaking ahead of the Group C encounter, Clarke delivered the news every Scotland fan wanted to hear.
“He’s perfect. He’s ready to go.”
The Scotland manager confirmed that McTominay has fully recovered and is expected to play a key role against Haiti.
The 29-year-old arrives at the tournament in outstanding form following a superb season with Napoli and is widely regarded as Scotland’s most important player.
While McTominay’s fitness concerns have eased, Clarke was unable to provide entirely positive news.
Defender Scott McKenna will miss the opening match after failing to recover in time from a calf problem.
“Scott will miss out,” Clarke confirmed. “He’s had an issue with his calf, he’s almost there and will probably train Monday.”
McKenna’s absence adds to Scotland’s defensive concerns, although there is optimism he could return later in the group stage.
The national team has already suffered one major injury blow before the tournament, with Billy Gilmour ruled out after sustaining a knee injury during the warm-up victory over Curacao.
The midfielder’s absence was a significant setback, but McTominay’s recovery ensures Clarke still has his most influential midfield figure available.
Scotland face Haiti in Boston knowing a positive start could be crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
And with McTominay declared fully fit, the Tartan Army can head into the opener with renewed confidence.
The star man is ready. The wait is almost over. Scotland’s World Cup journey is about to begin.
