Scotland manager Steve Clarke insists forward Oli McBurnie is not fit enough to feature for his country despite featuring in a friendly match for Sheffield United.
McBurnie has drawn criticism after coming off the bench for United in a 2-0 victory over Derby County, just days after withdrawing from the Scotland squad due to a foot problem.
Clarke says a decision was reached with Blades manager Chris Wilder for 24-year-old McBurnie, who has won nine caps without scoring, to continue his rehabilitation with his club.
Clarke said: “I spoke to Chris Wilder at the end of last week and he told me Oli hadn’t been training because he had a laceration in his foot that had become infected and that he wouldn’t be fit enough to play at international level.
“Chris is one of the most honest men in football and we had a good discussion about where Oli was at. People have to remember there’s a world of difference between getting some minutes in a pre-season friendly and preparing for an international double header.
“After discussions with the medical team and sports science team it made sense for everyone for Oli to stay at Sheffield and work on his fitness.”
Scotland boss Clarke defends McBurnie withdrawal after striker features in Sheffield United friendly
