SNS GroupScotland international Billy Gilmour says a knee injury has robbed him of his “childhood dream” to play at a World Cup.
The 24-year-old suffered the setback in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Curacao in a pre-tournament friendly at Hampden.
It was supposed to be a send-off for Gilmour and Steve Clarke’s side before they travelled stateside for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
But the Napoli midfielder has been ruled out and he revealed his feelings in an emotional post on Instagram.
He told fans on Tuesday: “I haven’t got the words to describe how I’m feeling right now.
“Being so close to a childhood dream of mine, to play in a World Cup, and now it has been taken away from me with an injury.
“It’s been a tough one to get my head around.”
Gilmour has been replaced by Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher in Clarke’s squad.
It is not yet clear how long Gilmour will be out for but he acknowledged fans who have sent him messages of support over the last few days.
He added: “Your support and kind messages over the last few days mean the world to me and haven’t gone unnoticed, so thank you so much.
“I’ll see you all back doing what I love again soon but until then, let’s get behind the team and cheer them on. Come on Scotland!”
Scotland continue their World Cup preparations in Florida this week before another warm up match against Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday.
Then it is the big one – their World Cup opening match in Group C against Haiti on June 14, 2am UK time, in Boston.
After that they take on Morocco, again in Boston, before facing Brazil in Florida in their final group game.
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