McTominay named in Scotland squad for Nations League deciders after heart operation

Scott McTominay has returned to the Scotland squad only two months after undergoing heart surgery, as the midfielder prepares to play a leading role in two crucial Nations League matches in November.

The Scottish Football Association announced the squad on Tuesday for fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland, with McTominay included alongside the returning Kieran Tierney and Che Adams.

Scotland face North Macedonia at home on 13 November before travelling to meet Switzerland three days later on 16 November. The matches are part of the second pathway of the European Nations League and come at a pivotal point in Scotland’s campaign.

McTominay, 29, underwent a minor heart operation in September, which ruled him out of the previous international break and raised concerns about when he would be able to resume his career. He has since confirmed that he has made a full recovery and is available to compete again.

Tierney and Adams have also been recalled after recovering from injury. The squad additionally includes defender James Penrice, who is on loan at Rangers from Greek club AEK Athens and could make his first appearance for the senior Scotland team.

There is no place for Scott McKenna, who is out with a back injury. Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, Colby Donovan and James Wilson have also been left out of the squad.

Scotland are third in Group Two with four points from four matches. They trail Slovenia by three points and leaders Switzerland by eight.

The visit of North Macedonia on 13 November gives Scotland the chance to build momentum before their difficult trip to Switzerland on 16 November. Both fixtures carry significant importance as the team look to improve their position in the Nations League standings.

McTominay’s return provides Scotland with an experienced midfield option at a decisive stage of the competition, following a period in which his availability had been uncertain because of the heart procedure.