Clarke eyes Lindsay for Scotland call-up

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is weighing up a Nations League call-up for Preston North End defender Liam Lindsay.

Clarke will name his squad for the double header with Croatia and Portugal on Tuesday.

Injury has already ruled out Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna, while Liam Cooper only made his debut for CSKA Sofia on Saturday after red tape delayed the former Leeds United captain’s work permit.

With a shortage of ready options in central defence, 28-year-old Lindsay has emerged as a candidate for his first cap call.

The former Partick Thistle defender has been a stand-out for Preston in the English Championship, making nine appearances this season and ranking high for data on blocks made, aerial duels and interceptions.

Keen to end a run of just one win in 14 international games, Clarke will meet his backroom team to whittle down their squad options on Monday.

National team boss Steve Clarke is in need of defensive options

Lindsay was previously a player for Partick Thistle

The Scotland boss is also wrestling with a selection dilemma over winger Ben Doak, midfielder Connor Barron and full-backs Josh Doig and Max Johnston.

Under-21s boss Scot Gemmill will name his squad on Wednesday for the upcoming double header with Belgium and Kazakshstan. Win both games and the young Scots have a real chance of securing a best runner-up slot for the next Euros. Avoid defeat against the Belgians and beat Kazakhstan and Gemmill’s team can still claim a place in the play-offs.

Ben Doak is among those providing a selection dilemma for Scotland boss Clarke

Clarke is unsure whether to call up Connor Barron for senior side or for Under-21s

Tommy Conway is likely to remain with the senior squad as they are short of attacking options, but Clarke is keen to give the Under 21s the best possible chance of reaching a major tournament and has yet to decide on what to do with the other four players.