‘Disappointing’ - Manager confirms Newcastle United star has suffered injury on international duty

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has revealed his disappointment at losing Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson to injury.

The 20-year-old was called up by Clarke for the first time for the Euro 2024 qualifier in Cyprus on Friday and the 150th anniversary match against England at Hampden next Tuesday but suffered an unspecified injury in training on Tuesday.

Anderson has returned to Tyneside for treatment where the Magpies will hope to have him available for the visit of Brentford to St James’ Park after the international break.

“It’s disappointing to lose Elliot and Liam [Kelly] on the same day but that’s part and parcel of international football, you just deal with it,” Clarke told reporters in Cyprus on Thursday evening.

“We’ve had to replace Liam because we couldn’t come with two goalkeepers so we’ve brought in young Robby [McCrorie]. He’s been part of the squad before and understands.

“I didn’t need to replace Elliot because we’ve got enough midfield players.”

With Anderson still waiting for his first senior cap, it leaves the door open for England to swoop back in for the former Bristol Rovers loanee. Anderson had played for Scotland at multiple youth levels before he switched to England at under-19 level. He returned to play for the Scots at under-21.

“It’s not something I can control,” Clarke replied. “There’s not a lot I can do about it.”

The Whitley Bay-born midfielder has appeared in all four of United’s opening Premier League games as substitute, despite finishing as the club’s top goal scorer in pre-season.