Elliot Anderson could still change his international allegiances back to England, it has emerged.
Gareth Southgate admits the Newcastle midfielder is a player he likes and the FA are keeping close tabs on his situation.
The 20-year-old, who was born in Whitley Bay, qualifies to play for Scotland through his grandmother.
He has been involved at youth levels for both Scotland and England.
Steve Clarke called Anderson up to his latest squad for the international double-header against Cyprus and England.
It was hoped that it provide the ideal chance to show Anderson a closer look at the Scotland set-up, and tie up his future with the national team by handing him his first cap.
However, he pulled out of the squad last Tuesday, with a knock in training cited as the reason behind that decision.
It means that his international future remains up in the air, as he will still not have made a competitive cap for either Scotland or England.
Southgate said: “We liked him and we do like him. He’s a player that’s doing really well.
“Obviously, he was called into their squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment. I saw he’s pulled out.
“Let’s see - that’s something that John McDermott and others at our organisation will be picking up. He’s definitely a player we like.”
The Scottish Sun reports that Anderson has had second thoughts on playing for Scotland.
They claim it's believed Anderson felt uncomfortable in the Scotland set-up and wanted to quit the camp for a rethink.
And that has now reopened the door for the English FA to make contact and hold talks over his international future.
READ MORE: How and when can Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany?
Southgate is expecting another tough game after their 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
He added: “It was an incredible atmosphere in Poland. For a lot of our players it was a brilliant experience.
“We wanted to win but we are not going to win comfortably every time. And that will be the same on Tuesday.
“Scotland are absolutely flying, they are really looking forward to the game and so are we.”
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