Scotland: Steve Clarke disappointed with Celtic not releasing players

Calvin Ramsay has made one late substitute appearance since joining Liverpool from Aberdeen

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says he is disappointed with Celtic's decision to not release players for next week's friendly in Turkey.

Celtic play a friendly tournament in Australia during the World Cup break.

Clarke has given 19-year-old Liverpool full-back Calvin Ramsay a first call-up in his 23-man squad, while midfielder Ryan Jack is included despite missing recent Rangers matches due to injury.

"The base line is it's not an official International window," said Clarke.

"I don't know why because there is a World Cup going on, that sounds pretty official to me. The clubs don't have to release their players and Celtic have chosen not to for this game."

While Celtic and Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor is injured, the likes of Greg Taylor, David Turnbull and Anthony Ralston were prevented from being called up by their club.

"I'm disappointed, but I have to take it on the chin and it's a chance for someone else," added Clarke. "It was just a blanket decision. Celtic have said that none of their players are available for any games [next week]. So all the countries are affected."

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou sympathised with Clarke's sentiments, recalling his own time as an international coach, but defended his club's stance.

"Steve's got every right to be disappointed. I've been there and I've been disappointed," the former Australia boss said. "And as club managers we're sometimes disappointed that players go away and get injured or don't play.

"We feel this tour is important for us and it's been in our planning for quite a while. That's why we've taken the decision."

Captain Andy Robertson of Liverpool and Everton right-back Nathan Patterson return from injury.

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson is included along with Ryan Porteous after the Hibernian defender made his debut in the recent 0-0 draw against Ukraine.

Aaron Hickey and Stephen Kingsley are injured, and Josh Doig, Declan Gallagher and Barrie McKay miss out.

Ramsay, who moved to Anfield from Aberdeen for an initial £4.2m in June, is called up after making his Liverpool debut off the bench against Napoli last week.

"I want to have a look at him," said Clarke. "I know what he did at Aberdeen. He got a fantastic move to Liverpool and made his debut for Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. It's not a bad start.

"I am missing a couple of players in that position anyway, with Aaron Hickey injured and Tony Ralston unavailable. It's a chance to put Calvin in the squad and have a look at him."

Next Wednesday's match in Diyarbakir is Scotland's only scheduled fixture before the start of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

The Scots have been drawn with Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus, opening at home to the latter on 25 March.