Injured Clint Dempsey set to miss Scotland tie

SCOTLAND look set to be boosted by the news that USA striker Clint Dempsey is set to miss the friendly though injury.

The Fulham player is the Americans’ main goal threat and has enjoyed an excellent season with Martin Jol’s men.

He was due to collect his 84th cap for the States against the Scots in Jacksonville this weekend. However, Dempsey is currently suffering from a groin strain and has been forced to sit out training with Jurgen Klinsmann’s side.

And, with the US facing five games in 18 days, including vital World Cup qualifiers, it seems certain that the German will not take any chances with Dempsey and allow him to sit out the game. Dempsey holds the record for the most goals scored by an American in the English Premier League, with 37 so far.

But he seems set to miss out on the clash with Craig Levein’s side in Florida.

Meanwhile, USA captain and Rangers defender Carlos Bocanegra admits he relishes every minute of his time with national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

“It’s a huge honour for me to be captain of my country and to play for someone like Jurgen, who has done it at the top level, won everything possible for your club and national team. I have been able to learn a lot from him,” said Bocanegra, who is poised to win his 102nd cap in the challenge match against Scotland.

“He challenges me and the other guys to get better every day, every week and it’s something we look forward to.

“We have a great group of leaders on this team, it’s a group effort and everyone pulls in the right direction.”