Aaron Hickey a major doubt for Euros as defender not expected to play again this season

Steve Clarke’s preparations for Euro 2024 have been dealt a blow with the news that Aaron Hickey is not expected to play again this season.

The defender, who was first choice right-back for the national game in the successful qualifying campaign for the championships, has been out since October.

The Brentford star was initially expected to return to action at the start of this year but his recuperation from the training ground injury has lasted longer than first thought.

His last game for Scotland was in the 2-0 defeat to Spain at the end of the campaign but before that he started in five consecutive wins as Clarke’s earned their place at Germany.

Scotland have not won any of their five of their games since he was injured, including recent defeats to The Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

Speaking on Friday Brentford manager Thomas Frank revealed that he is not expecting the former Hearts man to be available for selection this season.

He said: “I think I saw him run out on the grass today. I don’t expect him to be available before the end of the season so it’s a big positive if he is.”

Scotland play their opening game on June 14 when they take on the hosts in Munich.

If Hickey doesn’t make the squad then Everton’s Nathan Patterson will be his likely replacement in the starting line-up and it could potentially open the door for Celtic’s Anthony Ralston to make the squad as back-up.