Scotland are optimistic that Scott McTominay will be available for their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday, despite the midfielder missing Thursday's training session due to a stomach complaint.
McTominay, widely regarded as Scotland's most influential player, was absent as Steve Clarke conducted his final training session in North Carolina before the team departs for Boston. There, Scotland will play their first World Cup match in 28 years.
Sources within the camp indicate that McTominay's absence was precautionary, rather than a sign that he might miss the match. Nevertheless, an update from Clarke regarding McTominay's condition and whether any other players have been affected will be a key part of the manager's pre-match media duties on Friday.
McTominay delivered an impressive midfield performance in Scotland's 4-0 victory over Bolivia on Saturday, their final World Cup warm-up match.
"Hopefully that doesn't spread," said fellow midfielder Kenny McLean. "I am sure everybody has fingers crossed that Scott will be fine. Everybody knows what Scott brings. It is quite apparent how big a player he is for us. For all that it has been a team effort [to qualify], and always will be a real team effort, we have special players at the core."
McLean added: "He is up on a mural for a reason. He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team. He is a big character around the place, but it is a team effort and I'm sure Scott would be the first to say that. He is desperate to play and his preparations have been amazing apart from maybe something he has eaten somewhere along the line."
Defender Scott McKenna has had his training minutes managed due to a knock, with Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley the favourites to start in central defence against Haiti. "We are fortunate we have looked after ourselves as well as we could and we are as ready as we can be," said McLean. "Minutes were spread out over the couple of friendly games and I think everybody is in great shape."
Billy Gilmour, who was denied a World Cup spot due to a knee injury sustained in the friendly win over Curaçao, arrived in Boston on Thursday to join the Scotland squad. Clarke wanted Gilmour to be involved despite his disappointment. "He wants to experience things around the lads," McLean said. "Also around the city with fans, to soak in the atmosphere. He deserves so much more for what he has given, but there is going to be more opportunity."
Gilmour's injury opened the door for Tyler Fletcher, who made his Scotland debut in that Curaçao game but was not originally part of the World Cup squad. McLean was immediately impressed by the 19-year-old Manchester United player. "I saw the quality he had," McLean said. "I saw the ability, the way he received the ball, the small things. I could see it right away. I hope he takes this experience in, the opportunity he has got. He is doing himself no harm in training, let me tell you that."
