Although Hickey hasn’t featured for Brentford in months, Clarke expects to have him for the Euros.
A cautiously positive report on Aaron Hickey’s condition was provided by Steve Clarke along with the squad for the pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.
The adaptable full-back had a hamstring injury in late October and hasn’t appeared in any games since. Last month, his team Brentford announced a setback, with manager Thomas Frank acknowledging that it’s possible they won’t see him again this year. Frank stated, “I like to see players back on the grass before I make an estimate on what’s possible when they haven’t played for a while.”
Speaking at Hampden on Tuesday, Clarke stated that hockey was “improving – slowly, but improving” following the announcement of a 25-man team for the friendlies later this month. These games will be Scotland’s final fixtures before a pre-tournament doubleheader against Finland and Gibraltar. “He should get a return to the grass early or mid-April,” the Scotland manager continued. I have hope.
Concern is also being expressed by Scotland and Celtic over Callum McGregor’s Achilles injury. The midfield player should return following the international break, according to Clarke. “I’ve received that feedback as well, so hopefully it works out,” he remarked.
He seems reasonably upbeat about those who are presently on the sidelines. Clarke remarked, “Touch and go at the minute doesn’t bother me.” “Ideally, by the beginning of May, everyone will be healthy and accessible, and I won’t have to make any difficult decisions. That’s the perfect situation. People in the past will likely advise you that you won’t win the ones you wish to choose to compete in a tournament. Cross your fingers that we don’t.
Ryan Jack, a midfielder for Rangers, was also not included in Clarke’s most recent roster after getting hurt on Sunday night prior to the Ibrox team’s Scottish Cup victory over Hibs. He reportedly has a strained muscle. Jack’s injury kept him out of Euro 2020. “He is an additional candidate I was considering for this,” Clarke remarked. According to their manager Philippe Clement, Rangers were planning to start him against Hibernian, but he hasn’t made the team because of another little niggle. But I had already decided to choose him.
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