Scotland have drafted Tyler Fletcher into the World Cup squad after Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury that rules the Napoli midfielder out of the tournament, disrupting preparations for Scotland’s first World Cup finals appearance since 1998 following a 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden Park.

Head coach Steve Clarke had several midfield choices but selected 19-year-old Fletcher, who is the son of former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher, with the decision made after Fletcher’s senior debut increased confidence in the youngster’s readiness for a major tournament role.

The Scottish Football Association confirmed the change to the World Cup squad through an announcement, noting Fletcher’s rapid progress into the senior setup and linking his call-up directly to Gilmour’s injury setback, which removed an established figure from Clarke’s midfield options shortly before the finals.

Fletcher’s first appearance against Curacao impressed Clarke, as the midfielder recorded 42 touches and an 86.2% pass accuracy, displaying composure on the ball and positional discipline that strengthened the case for immediate inclusion in the World Cup squad despite limited senior club experience this season.

The debut came eight years and 234 days after Darren Fletcher’s final Scotland match, underlining a generational link in the national team, while Tyler Fletcher has featured twice for Manchester United this season yet has already logged more playing time for Scotland than for the club side.

Scotland’s coaching staff may assess Fletcher again when the team meet Bolivia in a friendly next week, with that fixture serving as final preparation before Clarke’s side begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on June 14, where midfield balance without Gilmour will remain a key tactical focus.