Newcastle pair called up for crucial World Cup qualifier

Matt Ritchie and Grant Hanley have been called up by Scotland.

The Newcastle United pair are in Gordon Strachan's squad for games against Canada and Slovenia.

Matt Ritchieplaceholder image
Matt Ritchie

Scotland take on Canada in a friendly at Easter Road on March 22 and Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden four days later.

Strachan's side, second-bottom of Group F with four games played, desperately need to win to keep their slim hopes of qualification alive.

Ritchie and Hanley have been regulars for Scotland in their World Cup qualification campaign.

England lead the group, having taken 10 points from their first four games.

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