Blow for Hearts as Elliot limps off with injury

HEARTS star Calum Elliot is facing a race against time to be fit for his side's crucial Champions League qualifier against NK Siroki Brijeg at Murrayfield on Wednesday after limping out of the Scotland under-19 team's 4-0 defeat by Spain in Pobiedziska, Poland, last night.

The young striker had to come off with 48 minutes on the clock with a hamstring injury and will now play no part against Turkey in the final game of the European Championships this weekend.

The Jambos are already without the influential Paul Hartley and Jose Goncalves so will be keeping their fingers crossed that Elliot can prove his fitness ahead of their match next week.

By the time Elliot departed the field, Scotland were already two goals behind after Jan Mata and Manchester United defender Gerard Pique both found ways past Hibs goalkeeper Andrew McNeil.

After the re-start, Elliot's withdrawal was compounded by the loss of a third goal just moments later with Pique again on target.

And the rout was completed four minutes from time when Mario Suarez waltzed through a tired Scots defence to add a fourth.

Scotland can still qualify, however, if they beat Turkey this weekend and Spain win their final match.

Scotland Under-19: McNeil, Cave-Brown, Cuthbert, Kenneth, Wallace, Snodgrass, Grant (Cameron 66), Ferry, Reynolds (Conroy 53), Fletcher, Elliot (McGlinchey 48).

Taken from the Scotsman