Scotland likely to lose Hartley

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley looks almost certain to miss Scotland's Euro 2008 double-header against Ukraine and Georgia with a hamstring injury.

Hartley pulled up during Celtic's 3-2 win over Gretna on Sunday and is likely to have a scan on the injury on Monday.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: "Paul Hartley has run about forever this season.

"But 15 minutes in that right-back position and he pulls a hamstring. That is usually a three-week job."

However, Strachan had better news of two more of his Scotland squad members.

"Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus picked up knocks, but they won't be pulling out of any Scotland squad," said the Celtic boss.

Hartley could also be missing for the derby against Rangers in a fortnight.

He had been playing in the unfamiliar position of right-back against Gretna in the absence through injury of Mark Wilson, Jean-Joel Perrier Doumbe and Paul Caddis.

The loss of Hartley could force Scotland manager Alex McLeish to alter his plans for Saturday's visit by Ukraine.

Hartley, who had been signed by Celtic after impressing as an attacking midfielder with Hearts, had been excellent in a holding role in front of the defence during the victory over France in Paris.

It was a role he also filled in Celtic's Champions League win over AC Milan.

Source: BBC Sport