Ben Doak pulls out of Scotland U21 squad as Liverpool wonderkid ramps up recovery from horror blow

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak has pulled out of the Scotland Under 21s squad for the double-header in Spain this week after his sickening head knock.The former Celtic winger became the youngest-ever scorer for the under 21s when he netted on his debut in Northern Ireland in September and would have been a key man for Scot Gemmill's side's games against Sweden and Wales, ahead of their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign which starts in Spain in September.

The 17-year-old has caught the eye of the English Premier League side this term having made five first-team appearances for Liverpool, but his rapid rise was derailed after suffering a concerning head blow during the under-19s clash with Sporting in the UEFA Youth League.Doak recovered from the clash and was able to walk off the pitch, but missed out on the Liverpool Under 21 meeting with Blackburn Rovers as a precaution this weekend.

He has now withdrawn from the games in San Pedro del Pinatar on Thursday against Sweden and Sunday against Wales.Fulham defender Connor McAvoy, has also pulled out after picking up an injury on loan at Partick Thistle.

Manchester City's former Celtic midfielder Josh Adam and Fulham’s Kieron Bowie - currently on loan at English League Two side Northampton Town - have been called up as replacements.Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. READ NEXT