Scotland boss Steve Clarke gives optimistic update on Aaron Hickey’s injury

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is optimistic Aaron Hickey’s injury is a minor problem after the Brentford defender withdrew from the squad.

The full-back went off during Scotland’s 3-1 win over Greece on Thursday after receiving lengthy treatment to the hamstring on his left leg, which was covered with protective tape.

The 23-year-old spent 22 months out of first-team football with major hamstring problems and only returned to action with his club and country this season.

Clarke said: “He went back down to London (on Saturday night), so we had a chance to have a chat during the day.

“He said he was much better. He’s in a much better place than he was when he came off.

“He’s definitely due a bit of luck. Fingers crossed it’s just something minor. I’m pretty sure it is.”

Clarke has called up Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and uncapped Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Belarus at Hampden.

The pair have been added to Clarke’s squad after Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie both picked up suspensions against Greece.

The pair started in Clarke’s central midfield and both scored and received their second yellow cards of the Group C campaign.