SCOTLAND'S Under-19s have suffered a major blow ahead of their Uefa Elite Tournament in Belgium after Chelsea striker Islam Feruz was forced to withdraw from the squad with a torn groin muscle.

Ricky Sbragia's side travel to Antwerp today to face England, hosts Belgium and Georgia in a four-team competition, with the winners qualifying for the finals in Lithuania in July.

Former Celtic kid Feruz has already made his mark at Under-21 level, but the youngster was deliberately put back in Sbragia's squad in a bid to help the young Scots qualify.

However, a scan has revealed a tear in his groin and he was sent home yesterday.

Scotland have called up free-scoring Aberdeen striker Declan McManus to replace Feruz.

And Sbragia has no worries about selecting the Pittodrie kid.

He said: "Islam has got a Grade Two tear in his groin. He came here on Sunday and said his groin was tight. We trained him for about 20 minutes and decided to send him for a scan. So he's out and we've brought in Declan.

"It's a big blow, but we've got a lad at Aberdeen who can score goals and who has done really well. It's just part of the game, it's not one I'm going to have sleepless nights about. I've just got to get on with it.

"Declan scores goals, he's always scored goals. He was one who only just missed out, to be honest.

"Islam took his place and as soon as I found out about his injury, we called him. He works hard and always takes his chances."