Steve Clarke has announced his Scotland squad for the upcoming European qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan, with a surprise inclusion for Hearts’ Steven Naismith.
The striker has only managed to score once this season in a term plagued by reoccurring injury problems.

Suffering with injury. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Naismith has featured in four games this season with just the one start, which was way back in August against Ross County. Even during that match he only lasted for 46 minutes.
It has lead to some confusion over his Scotland inclusion, with his return from injury only completed at the weekend against former side Rangers in the League Cup semi-final.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
He appeared as a substitute in the second half as the Jambos went down 3-0 to Rangers. Whilst he didn’t have an impact on the match, it was good for Hearts fans to see their talisman return to action.

Naismith will feature for Scotland despite Hearts injury troubles. (Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Now he potentially could aggravate his injury on Scotland duty, which happened the last time he linked up with the national team (Scottish Sun).
Some fans from across Scottish football have reacted to Naismith being included in the Scotland squad.
Good to see a new direction bringing in the youngsters.
— Garry Dunn (@MrAnnan4) November 5, 2019
That sums Scotland up boy been out injured and not kicked a ball all season..Scotland will never learn
— Ryan (@cunny1874) November 5, 2019
He’s got 49 caps, so he’ll be wanting to reach the 50 here. Chill….
— Bruce Cormack (@Cormachio) November 5, 2019
Get him withdrawn pronto ridiculous that he has been called up
— Kempy79 (@kempy79) November 5, 2019
Can we not just refuse to release him. Played 30 minutes can't be fully fit yet.
— Alan Nimmo (@alan_nimmo) November 5, 2019
Great, another injury incoming 🙈
— Bill Clay (@kris_cpfc) November 5, 2019
Outrageous! He’s played 25mins since he returned from Scotland injured the last time. Tell them to GTF
— scott leishman (@Leisham38) November 5, 2019
Shouldn’t be near the national squad as he’s been injured,no doubt come back injured
— Robert Smith (@pop1874) November 5, 2019