Leeds United ace Liam Cooper has perfect chance to shine for Scotland v Spain amid injury news

Leeds United defender Liam Cooper has made a return to the Scotland squad after returning to full fitness, having missed out last time through a foot injury.

Manager Steve Clarke has called up the Whites ace for the huge Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain on Thursday (12 October).

The team then take on France in a friendly clash on Tuesday (17 October), but all eyes will undoubtedly be on the first encounter in Seville.

The Scots currently top Group A with five wins from five, with their upcoming opponents sitting six points behind them in second place, having played a game less.

It could be another memorable evening for the determined squad of players, and Leeds centre-back Cooper may just be among those handed a place in the starting XI.

That will primarily be because fellow defender Kieran Tierney has not made the squad due to injury, with the on-loan Arsenal man forced to stay at home.

In Clarke’s preferred system of three central defenders, the Real Sociedad loanee has been a regular on the left-hand side.

His absence represents a golden opportunity for the left-footed Cooper to step in and fill his boots, which is admittedly a very difficult challenge.

Scotland’s away meeting with Norway back in June suggests that Clarke could go down this route, with Cooper coming on as a substitute for Tierney just after the hour mark.

If the manager needs some inspiration to make the call, his side were a goal down when the Leeds man entered the pitch, with late goals from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean then securing a dramatic 2-1 win for the visitors.

In other Leeds United news, one Whites player has reacted to Eden Hazard’s retirement announcement with a small tribute.