Steve Clarke Announces 26-Man Scotland Squad for March Friendlies
Steve Clarke has revealed his 26-man squad for Scotland's upcoming friendly matches against Japan and Ivory Coast. With Scotland preparing for their first men's World Cup appearance since 1998, this squad announcement carries significant interest and importance.
Aside from the first-time call-up of teenage Kilmarnock winger Findlay Curtis, the squad selection largely reflects continuity, offering few surprises or clear indications of new entrants into the core group that has successfully qualified Scotland for consecutive major tournaments.
Nevertheless, several notable points emerge from the squad as Scotland advances towards the World Cup finals.
Settled Squad with Opportunities for Newcomers
As anticipated, the squad features many familiar faces, but Clarke emphasized that there remains scope for players to earn a place in the final World Cup roster. Scotland will face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in the tournament scheduled for June in the United States.
"There are some players I feel I need to have a look at," Clarke stated. "A lot can change over the next 10 weeks before you pick your final squad.
"Hopefully, no significant injuries but it can happen and has happened to us before, so we have to be ready to cover all the bases.
"There are a few players who could have been in the squad and are not in the squad - but I know what they can do.
"I've got other players in the squad where I'm maybe not convinced yet about what they can and can't do. So, let's have a look and see what happens.
"There is always room for someone else, an outsider."
Excluding regular players returning from injury, only Findlay Curtis, Sparta Prague midfielder Andy Irving, and Wrexham centre-back Dom Hyam are new additions since the November squad.
Hyam, who is regularly playing for Wrexham in the Championship and contributing to their play-off contention, stands to benefit significantly if given sufficient opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities.
Nathan Patterson, who has faced injury challenges at Everton, also has a major chance to establish himself as the preferred deputy for Aaron Hickey at right-back after a strong start to his Scotland career prior to his move to England.
Gannon-Doak's Importance and Winger Alternatives
The selection of 19-year-old Findlay Curtis was unexpected, particularly as he was omitted from the last under-21 squad in November despite a promising breakthrough season at Rangers and his current loan spell at Kilmarnock.
This first senior call-up for a talented young player with significant potential is noteworthy, but it also highlights Scotland's limited pool of experienced wingers.
Ben Gannon-Doak has had a transformative effect on Scotland's attacking play since his introduction in the 2024 Nations League. His ability to maintain width and challenge defenders has been a valuable asset. However, he has not played since sustaining an injury against Denmark in November and is currently regaining fitness after recently rejoining the Bournemouth squad.
Clarke noted that Curtis can provide "something similar" to Gannon-Doak, which justifies his inclusion and addresses the need for additional wide options.
Harvey Barnes' decision to represent England rather than Scotland was a setback, raising questions about who else might make a late push for World Cup selection.
At 34, James Forrest continues to contribute at Celtic and was included in the Euro 2024 squad, but he likely falls into the category of a known quantity for Clarke when considering March squad selection.
Falkirk's Calvin Miller, with six goals and nine assists this season, has been one of the standout wingers in the Scottish Premiership and may feel unlucky to have been overlooked.
Hearts left-back Harry Milne has demonstrated versatility by effectively contributing as a winger on both flanks.
Under-21 winger Adedire Mebude, who is regularly playing in Turkey's top division with Rizespor following his January transfer from Westerlo in Belgium, was not included in this month's squad.
Clarke has successfully developed a Scotland team without an abundance of wingers during his seven-year tenure, but much depends on Gannon-Doak's fitness to provide Scotland with optimal attacking options. Given Gannon-Doak's injury history in his brief career, additional depth is necessary.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn Returns
Angus Gunn featured in the first four World Cup qualifying matches before an injury sidelined him for crucial fixtures against Greece and Denmark. Craig Gordon stepped in effectively but is now contending with a shoulder injury and is second choice at Hearts.
This situation opens the door for Gunn to resume goalkeeping duties this month despite having played only 45 minutes for Nottingham Forest this season.
Clarke has yet to decide whether Scott Bain, Falkirk's first-choice goalkeeper, or Liam Kelly, Rangers' backup, will also see playing time during the friendlies.
Currently, it appears that if both are fit, Gunn and Gordon will compete directly for the starting position against Haiti on 14 June.
Notable Absences from Hearts and Motherwell
Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and fourth-placed Motherwell have impressed this season, as have several of their players. However, neither club has a representative in the latest Scotland squad.
Hearts might have had call-ups if not for injuries to Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon, and possibly centre-back Stuart Findlay could have been included.
Nonetheless, Findlay's defensive partner Craig Halkett, Harry Milne, and midfielder Marc Leonard have not been selected at this stage.
Similarly, Motherwell's strong defensive record has not resulted in call-ups for Stephen Welsh, Paul McGinn, or Stephen O'Donnell. Both O'Donnell and McGinn have previously been capped by Clarke, and McGinn's brother John remains a Scotland regular and is included in the current squad.
When asked about Hearts and Motherwell, Clarke commented: "I really think both those teams have been exceptional.
"But maybe the team is better than the sum of the parts, which is a credit to the coaching staff and managers of both teams.
"They've done really well - I'm looking at everybody."
Teenager Findlay Curtis has been given his first Scotland call-up.
