John McGinn defends Scotland decision after Stale Solbakken anger over cancelled warm-up | OneFootball

Scotland scrapped a planned training match with Norway in Charlotte on Monday because of injuries in Steve Clarke’s squad, prompting anger from Stale Solbakken. John McGinn said Scotland were right to prioritise their own players.

Both teams are based in North Carolina for the World Cup and had lined up a 60-minute game at Scotland’s training base. The Norwegian Football Federation said on Sunday the fixture had been called off.

“It was at least as surprising to me and it is unprofessional of Scotland. It is unprofessional that the coach has not called me, that they use the team manager and call and say it after we have finished training.” He told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

McGinn argued every nation would protect itself after losing a key player, noting Billy Gilmour was ruled out shortly before Scotland flew to the United States and that several team-mates had niggles and missed training. He added Norway would have cancelled too if Erling Haaland or Martin Odegaard were suddenly sidelined.

A Scottish FA spokesperson said the session was arranged between the teams’ managers and, once the risk of further injury outweighed any benefit, Norway’s team manager was informed as soon as possible. They added the game was meant to be unannounced and behind closed doors, so its emergence via Norwegian media was a surprise.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com