GLASGOW: Kieran Tierney will miss Scotland’s World Cup play-off semi-final with Ukraine on June 1.

The Arsenal left wingback had not played since the end of March because of injury. There had been hopes he might make the Ukraine tie but he was not in manager Steve Clarke’s pool of 28 for a possible five fixtures next month, including three Nations League games.

Clarke said: “We’ve known for a little while that Kieran wouldn’t be ready for these games. “Disappointing for Kieran and obviously disappointing for us.”

If Scotland beat Ukraine at Hampden, they face a showdown with Wales in Cardiff on June 5 for a place at the World Cup in Qatar. Three Nations League matches follow, with a trip to take on Republic of Ireland in between home and away games against Armenia.

Clarke regards Everton’s Nathan Patterson as “doubtful” for the Ukraine game but expects Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour to be available, despite him missing the final game of his season-long loan at Norwich City with an ankle problem.

Uncapped striker Ross Stewart keeps his place after scoring in Saturday’s play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers to help clinch promotion to the Championship for Sunderland.

David Marshall returns to the squad to take the contingent of goalkeepers to four on the same day he sealed a move from Queens Park Rangers to Hibernian but experienced Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean misses out with a broken toe.

The play-off semi-final with Ukraine was postponed after the country was invaded by Russia.

“The circumstances have changed for the Ukrainian team and I’m pleased that they’ve got the opportunity to come out and play the game,” added Clarke.

“We’ve waited a long time for this game, we’ve waited a long time to be in this position to qualify for a World Cup and we’re determined to get to Qatar.”

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Zander Clark (St Johnstone), Craig Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), Liam Kelly (Motherwell), David Marshall (Hibernian)

Defenders: Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Jack Hendry (Brugge), Aaron Hickey (Bologna), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Stephen O’Donnell (Motherwell), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), David Turnbull (Celtic)

Forwards: Che Adams (Southampton), Jacob Brown (Stoke City), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers), Ross Stewart (Sunderland).

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