Scotland defender Steven Caldwell has been ruled out of their make-or-break World Cup double-header against Macedonia and Holland with a groin injury.

Burnley skipper Caldwell picked up the injury in George Burley’s side 4-0 drubbing in Norway last month.

The 28-year-old has not appeared for his club since but boss Burley kept him in his squad for the final two games of the Group Nine campaign.

Scotland’s qualification hopes are hanging in the balance after the Norway thrashing and they will need to win their last fixtures - both at Hampden Park – to stand a chance of qualifying.

Former Ipswich boss Burley will not call up a replacement despite Caldwell’s younger brother Gary being suspended for the Macedonia clash on Saturday.

Caldwell is the second player to withdraw with Kevin Kyle also absent with a knee injury.

The Kilmarnock striker has undergone surgery after tearing a cartilage and will be replaced by Birmingham striker Gary O’Connor.