Scotland are back in action later this month as they start their World Cup preparations with two friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast.
Their first games since the dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark that ended Scotland’s near three decade wait to qualify for the World Cup in November, Steve Clarke’s side will welcome Japan to Hampden Park on Saturday 28 March, before heading to Everton Hill Dickinson Stadium to play former AFCON champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday 31 March as part of their pre-World Cup preparations.
While a host of players are hoping to catch the eye and solidify their places in the 62-year-old head coach’s plans for the summer tournament, others are sweating on their inclusion in the squad due to form, lack of minutes and injury.
Here, the Scotsman look at 10 players sweating over a call-up to the Scotland squad for this month’s friendlies with Japan and the Ivory Coast.
5. Ben Gannon-Doak - AFC Bournemouth
Injured in the opening stages of the memorable 4-2 win over Denmark in November, the youngster is yet to return from his hamstring injury. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola confirmed he was back in training recently, but this upcoming March friendlies may come too soon for him after being out for the last four months. | SNS Group
6. Andy Irving - Sparta Prague
The former West Ham United midfielder has been in and out of the squad over the last 12 months, but may find his chances of breaking into the squad on a more permanent basis improve after making the brave decision to swap the English Premier League for regular football at the Apet Arena. His place in this month's squad is far from guaranteed, though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. John McGinn - Aston Villa
The talismanic midfielder is a doubt for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast after being forced to undergo surgery on a knee injury in January. He recently said he hopes to return in two to three weeks, meaning he should hopefully return just in time for the March friendlies. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Connor Barron - Rangers
The Rangers midfielder has been absent since early January due to a knee injury, but was scheduled to return to traning this week. His club side will hope to see him back in action soon, but his inclusion in the Scotland squad is, of course, doubtful due to him missing the last two months of football. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group