Scotland open World Cup qualifying with injury-hit trip to Denmark

Scotland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday night with a tough trip to Denmark, kicking off at 19:45 BST at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. The match is the first of six Group C fixtures as Steve Clarke's side bid to reach a World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. Broadcasters in the United Kingdom will show the game on BBC Two and BBC Scotland, with streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Clarke will be without Celtic fullbacks Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston, who withdrew from the squad through injury, with Sassuolo left back Josh Doig called up as cover, Scottish Football Association officials said. Doig has one senior cap. Aaron Hickey, recently returned to fitness after a long hamstring layoff, and Max Johnston are among the other options Clarke can use at full back. When announcing the squad last week Clarke said of Hickey, "He is good to go. Whether he is good to go 90 minutes over two games is a different conversation. We will manage him," according to the coach's remarks.

Denmark, seeded top in the group, arrive confident at home after recent wins in friendlies and a strong home record. Reports note Denmark have won 25 of their past 28 home matches in all...