Wife's illness prompts Davidson exit

Scotland defender Callum Davidson has thanked Walter Smith for allowing him to return home after his pregnant wife was diagnosed with a rare liver disorder which could affect their unborn baby.

Doctors told Davidson’s wife Lorna she would have to be induced three weeks early or the problem could put their baby in danger.

The Preston defender, not selected for the game against Belarus at the weekend which ended the Scots’ World Cup qualification hopes, was given permission by the Scotland manager to miss the trip to Slovenia.

Davidson told the Daily Express: “It was a blow to pull out of the Scotland squad but obviously my family must come first.

“My wife wasn’t due to give birth for another three weeks but there have been a few complications.

“There is a problem with Lorna’s liver which we have been told affects a small number of pregnancies but if we let things take their natural course then it could have put her and the baby at risk. That’s the last thing we wanted to hear.

“It’s a worrying time but I feel a lot better now that I’m back with her.

“To be fair when when I explained the situation to Walter Smith he was first class and told me right away that at this time I should be with my family. I appreciated that.”