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 added to the training squad last week by head coach Steve Clarke, along with Hearts duo James Wilson and Liam McFarlane and Dundee defender Luke Graham.

"It boosts our numbers for training given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar," said Clarke at the time.

Following Gilmour's injury, Clarke had mentioned Rangers' Connor Barron, Andy Irving of Sparta Prague and Lennon Milller of Udinese as standby options.

"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."

When asked about Fletcher's second-half showing at Hampden, Clarke told BBC Scotland: "Everybody was impressed - the players were impressed, the coaching staff were impressed, I had no doubts.

"I actually thought about putting him on as Billy came off but I just thought I'd have a little look, see how the game panned out before introducing him at half-time."

Kenny McLean played with Darren Fletcher at the start of his international career and also spoke highly of the debutant.

"I said to the lads after his first session, I could see something special in him, so I was glad that he got on," said the Norwich City midfielder.

"In my first session with Scotland, Darren stood out a mile. Fortunately for us, his son is pretty similar. There's a lot of potential, it's about using him the right way."

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.