McTominay returns to training to boost Scotland ahead of World Cup opener against Haiti

Scott McTominay has returned to training with the Scotland squad in Foxborough, Massachusetts, easing concerns ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti at Gillette Stadium on Saturday. The Napoli midfielder had sat out Thursday’s session at the team’s Charlotte, North Carolina base due to an upset stomach, and travelled separately from the rest of Steve Clarke’s squad — accompanied by a doctor as a precautionary measure — when they flew to Boston.

McTominay’s fitness is central to Scotland’s hopes of making history at a tournament they are appearing in for the first time in 28 years. The 29-year-old has scored 15 goals in 70 international appearances, including the overhead-kick opener in last November’s 4-2 win over Denmark that sealed qualification, and added another in a 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia last Saturday.

There is less encouraging news elsewhere in the squad. Defender Scott McKenna again missed training with a knock, leaving his availability for the Haiti match in doubt. Midfielder Billy Gilmour, ruled out of the entire tournament with a knee injury sustained against Curacao, joined the group on Thursday but could only watch from the sidelines.

Scotland face what Clarke’s camp will regard as their most winnable group fixture first, with five-time champions Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco to follow. The Scots have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup, and reaching the knockout rounds for the first time would represent a landmark achievement for Scottish football.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was among the spectators watching Friday’s final preparations at the Foxborough training session.