Tony Ralston could be in line for a Scotland start tomorrow evening after Steve Clarke confirmed that Everton youngster Nathan Patterson was injured. The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive season with Ange Postecoglou’s side, often deputising for Josip Juranovic but stepping up when required.

His successful form was rewarded by a place in Clarke’s squad for the matches in June, starting with Ukraine at Hampden on Wednesday.

🗣️"Our players are desperate to take our country to a World Cup finals."

Steve Clarke confirms Nathan Patterson is out of the match against Ukraine, looks ahead to the World Cup play-off semi-final and has a message for the Tartan Army🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/ubRQAaallJ

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 31, 2022

Clarke prefers playing 3-5-2 with skipper Andy Robertson operating at LWB with Patterson normally on the right. However, without the Everton youngster, Clarke will be forced to use his squad with Aaron Hickey, Stephen O’Donnell and Ralston. It would be a fitting reward for Ralston after the season he has had. He was written off by many but dared to prove them wrong as he went from a player certain to leave to a member of the first team.

Callum McGregor will certainly start in the midfield but it remains to be seen whether Ralston will start. Another Celt, David Turnbull, will be hoping to get some game time along with Greg Taylor.

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