SUNDERLAND striker Ross Stewart is pushing his cause for a first Scotland cap this evening against Armenia after the withdrawal of Lyndon Dykes.

The Queens Park Rangers striker has been forced to pull out of Steve Clarke’s squad after picking up an injury. He started their 3-1 defeat to Ukraine last week that ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Stewart was called up to the Scotland squad back in March but was not used for their international friendly matches.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season with the Black Cats last year scoring 26 goals earning himself a place in the League One Team of the Season.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said: “The players that played the other night are desperate to play. The players that didn’t play the other night are desperate to play. For me, that makes great choices and difficult choices and a good place to be.”

Commenting on the fitness of the squad, Clarke continued: “Lyndon (Dykes) has pulled out. He picked up a thigh strain so Lyndon won’t be available for any of the remaining games. Lewis Ferguson has got a little niggle that kept him out of training. Everyone else is fit and well and raring to go.”

Scotland face Armenia in their first Nations League group match this evening. If Stewart does not earn his first cap this evening, he will have another two opportunities when they face Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Armenia in a reverse fixture again next Tuesday.