Leeds United star in line for EURO24 role in crunch decider

Leeds United's Liam Cooper could be thrown a EURO24 key role for Scotland in their must-win final group against Hungary on Sunday. The Scots have been a dealt a big blow with the news Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

Steve Clarke's side are already without Ryan Porteous after his red card in the opening game defeat to Germany, leaving Cooper and Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna has the two likely options for the Hungary game. After picking up a point from a 1-1 draw with Switzeland, Scotland know a win over Hungary would almost certainly send them through to the last 16.

No side finishing third on four points has ever failed to make the knockout stages, but Hungray will be desperate for their first win of the tournament after defeats to Germany and Switzerland. Scotland assistant manager John Carver revealed Ryan Jack is "under the weather" before Sunday's final group match but said Tierney could return to support his team-mates.

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Carver added: "Obviously he had an issue with his hamstring the other night and was stretchered off. He is heading home to be assessed by Arsenal and that's all I can really say at the moment.

"They will give updates as they have it but he is obviously extremely disappointed. If we do progress and move through the tournament I am sure he will be back to support us.

"It is a blow because he is one of our top players and in tournament football you need your best players on the park. And, in particular with him, he gives that balance down the left-hand side with Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor and they combine really well. So whenever any team loses their best players then it will affect the situation, but also it is an opportunity for somebody else to step in."

Leeds defender Cooper has yet to feature for Scotland, and saw Grant Hanley take Porteous' place for the Switzerland game. The verteran is currently in talks with Leeds over a new deal with his current contract expired, although no progress is expected to be made until after the tournament.