The Leeds United star is in line for a role in the EURO24 decider

Leeds United’s Liam Cooper could be handed a key EURO 24 role for Scotland in their must-win final group against Hungary on Sunday. The Scots have been dealt a major blow with the news that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury.

Steve Clarke’s side are already without Ryan Porteous after his red card in the opening defeat to Germany, leaving Cooper and Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna the two likely options for the game in Hungary. Having picked up a point from a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, Scotland know a win over Hungary would almost certainly send them into the last 16.

No team finishing third on four points has ever made it to the knockout stages, but Hungray will be desperate for their first win of the tournament after defeats to Germany and Switzerland. Scotland assistant manager John Carver revealed Ryan Jack is “under the weather” ahead of Sunday’s final group game but said Tierney could return to support his team-mates.

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Carver added: “Obviously he had a hamstring problem last night and he was laid up. He’s heading home to be assessed by Arsenal and that’s all I can really say at the moment.

“They will provide updates as they have them, but he is obviously extremely disappointed. If we progress and get through the tournament, I’m sure he’ll be back to support us.

“It’s a blow because he’s one of our top players and in tournament football you need your best players on the park. And especially with him, he gives that balance on the left with Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor and they combine really well. So whenever a team loses their best players, it’s going to hurt the situation, but it’s also an opportunity for someone else to step in.

Leeds defender Cooper is yet to play for Scotland and saw Grant Hanley take Porteous’ place for the Switzerland game. The veteran is currently in talks with Leeds over a new deal with his current contract expiring, although no progress is expected to be made until after the tournament.