Ben Doak has been ruled out of Scotland's crucial Nations League double header against Greece - with the young starlet requiring surgery that could keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
Doak has impressed in a season-long loan at Middlesbrough, with the Liverpool winger helping spearhead the Championship side's play-off hopes.
The 19-year-old - who was the subject of £15million bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich in January - caught the eye with some dazzling performances for Scotland last year and ran Manchester City defender Josko Gviardiol ragged in a 1-0 win for Steve Clarke's men against Croatia back in October that helped them set up the Nations League play-off with Greece.
But the former Celtic kid will not be able to add to his six senior caps later this month after the extent of his injury setback was revealed.
Doak - who has registered three goals and seven assists for Boro - has missed the last six matches, but it was initially hoped that a comeback was imminent.
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However, the teenager has now been forced to undergo treatment back at Liverpool that could bring his season to an end.
Boro sit just two points outside of the Championship play-off spots with 11 games remaining.
Clarke's Scotland will hope to retain their place in Nations League A when they travel to Piraeus on Thursday, March 19 before welcoming the Greeks to Hampden four days later.
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