John Carver has backed new Scotland recruit George Hirst to fill the void left by the injured Lyndon Dykes for the Nations League play-off showdown with Greece.

Hirst, who represented England up to U20 level, earned his first senior call-up for Scotland after receiving clearance to represent his grandfather's homeland.

The 26-year-old scored his second Premier League goal of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and is one of three new faces in Steve Clarke's ranks. 

And Scotland assistant Carver believes he can bring the type of physique and power to the attack that Birmingham City striker Dykes – out with a calf injury – usually provides.

"We've been monitoring him for months," Carver said. "We lost Lyndon Dykes to injury, and he's a little bit similar to Lyndon.

"What a goal he scored at the weekend and what a way to leave your club football and come to international football.

"He's an intelligent lad, he's bright, he loves football, and he's fitted in straight away. He brings us a different dimension.

"I had a good chat with him on Sunday night, and we spoke about a number of things, but most importantly, he's a good player, and he certainly brings something to the squad."

Hirst joins Che Adams, Tommy Conway, Kevin Nisbet and James Wilson as the forwards in the squad, with Lennon Miller also handed his first senior call-up. 

Cant wait to meet up with the boys https://t.co/52QB7m69wq

— George Hirst (@GeorgeHirst45) March 16, 2025

In addition to new faces, Carver was delighted to see two more established internationals make a long-awaited return for the double-header with Greece. 

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson is back involved for the first time in a year after an ACL injury, while Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has returned for the first time since tearing his hamstring in the Euro 2024 draw with Switzerland in Germany last June.

"It's great," said Carver, who is hoping the fresh faces can help Scotland build on an encouraging finish to 2024. "We've not seen both of those players for a long time.

"Obviously KT's here now. I had a good chat with him this morning, and we're waiting for Lewis to come in, so there's a freshness there, some new faces.

"It gives everybody a lift and a boost. But let's not forget what we did prior to coming into camp.

"We had some good performances and results, especially against Poland, Croatia and Portugal, so there's a bit of confidence in there, but also we've now got a bit of freshness."