Celtic man among duo to withdraw from Scotland squad as uncapped player receives shock call up

Blackburn midfielder Kristi Montgomery has been brought in to the Scotland squad ahead of Saturday’s Nations League opener in Slovenia.

 

The uncapped 22-year-old has been called up by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as cover following the withdrawals of both Kenny McLean and Kieran Tierney.

Celtic left-back Tierney has been persistently plagued by fitness issues in recent years and was substituted after 71 minutes of the 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday. Norwich midfielder McLean played the full 90 minutes of the 4-3 defeat by Bolton in the Championship on Sunday but has also pulled out of the squad.

Pocognoli has responded to the double setback by handing a first senior call-up to Montgomery following a strong start to the season in the Championship.

 

Born in Leeds, Montgomery qualifies for Scotland through his mother. He has risen through Scotland’s international ranks, representing the country at various age groups up to and including the Under-21s, where he earned five caps.

 

He has scored once in 10 appearances for Blackburn this season and is highly-regarded by head coach Tony Mowbray.

“He’s an amazing young footballer who is playing in the battleground of the match in the middle of the pitch and is generally coming out with the ball after winning every duel he goes into,” Mowbray said recently.

The Scotland squad are currently training in La Manga as Pocognoli prepares for his first game in charge away to Slovenia on Saturday.

 

The Belgian will then make his Hampden bow against Switzerland next Tuesday before travelling to North Macedonia and then returning home for the reverse fixture against the Slovenians.

It was a gamble from McInnes and one his players did not see coming. But Neil, 24, confessed that his boss got the call spot on as it allowed him to play with freedom in attack while keeping Celtic’s stars in check.