Blow for Scotland as Ben Doak undergoes surgery ahead of Nations League play-off

Scotland winger Ben Doak is set to miss the Nations League play-off against Greece after having surgery on a hamstring injury.

The teenage attacker would almost certainly have been a part of Steve Clarke’s plans for the double-header later this month, which will determine whether or not Scotland remain in the top tier of the Nations League or drop down to League B.

Doak has made a positive impact since making his debut last year, featuring in all six games against Croatia, Portugal and Poland this season. He had also been in strong form for Middlesbrough in his loan spell from Liverpool, with three goals and seven assists in 24 games in the Championship.

The attacker has been out injured since late January but it’s now been revealed that the hamstring issue that sidelined Doak has required surgery.

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick admitted it was tough being without the player, and said he couldn’t be certain if Doak would be fit to return before the end of the season.

“He’s back at Liverpool doing a bit of rehab now, which is quite normal,” Carrick said.

“We’ll have to wait and see how that goes and how long he will be out for, but at the moment it’s wait and see.

“It’s unfortunate. He was doing rehab and then it’s come about [that surgery was needed].

“It’s unfortunate for all of us, for us as a squad and individually for Ben to suffer that.

“But it’s part of the game and he’ll be back stronger.

“It’s hard to say either way if he’ll be back or not. We’ll see how it progresses.”