Fletcher chosen to replace Gilmour in Scotland squad

Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher has replaced the injured Billy Gilmour in Scotland’s World Cup squad.

The 19-year-old made his international debut as a half-time replacement in Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden.

Napoli midfielder Gilmour damaged his knee in a first-half incident and his withdrawal from the squad was announced later in the evening.

Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren, has played more minutes for Scotland than he has for his club, having come off the bench twice for United this season.

Fletcher, whose twin brother Jack has chosen to represent England, was one of four young players added to the training squad last week by head coach Steve Clarke.

Rangers’ Connor Barron, Andy Irving of Sparta Prague and Lennon Milller of Udinese were other standby options Clarke had mentioned.

“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Clarke.

“The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.

“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”

Napoli team-mate Scott McTominay wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated for you brother. Football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”

The Scotland party flies out to Florida on Sunday and there is a final warm-up game against Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday 6 June.

Having qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, Scotland will take on Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C.