Scotland World Cup qualifier: Injury doubt Morrison set to miss out

Published on Friday 5 September 2008 14:37

SCOTLAND midfielder James Morrison looks set to miss tomorrow's World Cup qualifying opener in Macedonia.

The West Brom player, 22, suffered a knee injury in his club's goalless draw at Bolton on Saturday and has been unable to train since.

He had been in contention to start tomorrow afternoon's Group Nine clash in Skopje but coach Steven Pressley today revealed he is not expected to be fit.

"I wouldn't think so. James is still struggling," Pressley said.

"We will give him every opportunity but he is a major doubt."

Celtic's Barry Robson has been tipped to replace Morrison if he fails to recover.

"He hasn't featured a great deal for Celtic so far this season but the way he played at the end of last season suggested that he is a very good midfielder and that's the reason he is in the squad," Pressley said,

"He would bring a lot to the team and he's in our thoughts for the game."

Scotland's stand-in captain Stephen McManus has also been carrying an injury but Pressley confirmed the Celtic defender had recovered from his ankle problem.

"He trained the last few days," the coach said.

"Obviously, he got a knock in the Old Firm game but he has shown no effects from that and he'll be fine."