Doak set to miss Nations League play-off after surgery

Scotland winger Ben Doak will almost certainly miss this month’s Nations League play-off double-header against Greece after having surgery on a thigh injury.

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says “it’s hard to say” whether the on-loan Liverpool 19-year-old will be able to play for the Championship side again this season.

Doak played the last of his 24 games with the promotion hopefuls on 25 January and had looked to be on the road to recovery before having to have an operation.

“He’s back at Liverpool doing a bit of rehab”, Carrick said. “We’ll see where that goes and how long he is out for.

” He was doing his rehab and then it came about. It is unfortunate for us and Ben personally to suffer that, but it is part of the game. He will be back stronger. “

Doak has impressed for Scotland since being handed the first of his six caps in September.

Steve Clarke’s side visit Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, on 20 March, with the second leg at Hampden Park three days later.

Scotland need to win to remain in League A after finishing third in their section.