Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall has withdrawn from the squad for Tuesday’s visit of Denmark after being struck down with pneumonia.
The 31-year-old has missed Cardiff City’s last two matches due to the lung condition but Bluebirds manager Russell Slade insists the former Celtic shot-stopper is on the mend.
Marshall – recognised as Scotland’s number one – was named among Gordon Strachan’s separate squads for the games against the Czech Republic and Denmark but was only selected to play against the Danes.
However, the 22-times capped player will not recover in time for the Hampden match, leaving Celtic’s Craig Gordon as the solitary keeper for the friendly as it stands.
Slade is waiting to discover if the 22-times capped Marshall will be declared fit for the April 2 Championship clash with Derby County.
Slade, speaking to walesonline.co.uk, said: “Obviously David has been feeling very low, he’s been very weak as you would be, but we are monitoring the situation very closely.
“I’m pleased to say that he is getting better, his condition is improving and my staff tell me he is responding to the antibiotics he’s taking to treat it.
“My doctor here (Len Noakes) said he’s never treated a player with pneumonia before and I’m scratching me head to think of it too.
“But the most important thing to say is that David is on the mend and he is looking good.”
