Man Utd academy graduate could get dream World Cup call-up after Billy Gilmour ruled out

He only made his senior international debut for Scotland on Saturday but Tyler Fletcher is on standby for a dream World Cup call-up after Billy Gilmour was ruled out of this summer's tournament.

It has been a whirlwind week for Fletcher, who is the son of former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

The 19-year-old joined under-21 teammates James Wilson, Luke Graham, Andrew Tod and Liam McFarlane in being called up for their pre-World Cup friendly against Curacao at Hampden Park.

Following the late arrival of several experienced players after strenuous seasons, many believed Fletcher was only there to make up the numbers in training.

But after impressing, he was rewarded with a 45-minute cameo as Scotland recorded a 4-1 win over Dick Advocaat's side thanks to goals from Findlay Curtis, Lawrence Shankland (2) and Ryan Christie.

Unfortunately, the result was overshadowed by an injury to Billy Gilmour, who was later ruled out of the World Cup.

“We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curaçao will rule him out of participation in the World Cup,” the Scotland National Team wrote on social media. “We're all with you, Billy.”

So, could Fletcher replace Gilmour in the squad? After the game, Scotland manager Steve Clarke confirmed that the Manchester United academy product has a good chance of making the 26-man squad.

Fletcher is currently on a standby list alongside Connor Barron, Andy Irving and Lennon Miller.

"You see for yourself how good young Tyler is. I'll probably keep him awake tonight as well," said Clarke in his post-match press conference.

"The three that I mentioned are on standby. Obviously Tyler joined us this week. He's trained well this week, so he's a little bit closer than the other three but I'd need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go."

The final team lists must be submitted to FIFA by June 1.

🗣️ ‘Tyler [Fletcher] trained well this week so he’s probably a little bit closer than the other three.’

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland manager Steve Clarke on his possible Billy Gilmour replacements after the Napoli midfielder was ruled out the World Cup.

❓Who would you take to the US?… pic.twitter.com/AiUwPj3Rg5

— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) May 30, 2026

Gilmour's injury could hand Fletcher an opportunity he likely never imagined would come so early in his career.

Back in February, the midfielder made his senior Manchester United debut in a 2-0 win over Tottenham. He also featured for Michael Carrick's side in their final Premier League game of the season against Brighton.

Tyler Fletcher has 'something special', says Scotland teammate

Fletcher had made a real impression since joining up with the Scotland squad. Norwich City captain Kenny McLean, who featured for the Tartan Army in their win over Curacao, was full of praise for the youngster on Saturday.

"Tyler came on and I can't speak highly enough of him. I said to the lads after his first session 'I can see something special in him' so I was glad he got on after the week he has had," said McLean.

"In my first couple of [Scotland] squads I played with his dad. And, for me, in my first sesssion he [Darren] stood out a mile. Fortunately for Scotland, his son is pretty similar. There is a lot of potential there. It's about using him in the right way.

"Hopefully he does that back at his club and then when he comes away here and when he gets the opportunity, he makes the impact he has this week."

READ MORE: Scotland announce 26-man squad for first World Cup in 28 years

McClean added: "These lads can definitely make a difference for us in the present and they've got a really good future ahead of them in a Scotland shirt."