Clarke did not seek Anderson assurance over Scotland future

Steve Clarke has not sought any kind of guarantees from Elliot Anderson about the midfielder's Scotland future.

The Whitley Bay-born Newcastle United player, who has a Scottish grandmother, has played at youth level for both Scotland and England.

The 20-year-old was called up by the Scotland boss for the first time for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus in Larnaca on Friday and the challenge match against England at Hampden Park next week after deciding against switching allegiance to England following positive discussions with Clarke.

However, Anderson officially withdrew from the squad on Wednesday night after picking up an injury in training.

Asked at the pre-match media conference in Cyprus if he had sought any assurances from Anderson, the Scotland boss said: "No. He just went home."

The Scotland boss had already been asked if he had any fears surrounding international allegiances, and had said: "It is not something I can control. There's not a lot I can do about it."Obviously (disappointing not to have the chance to work with Elliot), that's why we brought him into the squad. Disappointing to lose Elliot and Liam (Kelly) on the same day but that's part and parcel of international football, you deal with it.