Scotland return to action next month as they begin their World Cup preparations with two friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast.
Scheduled to be their first game since the dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark that sealed qualification to the World Cup in November, Steve Clarke’s side will face Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday 28 March, before heading to Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for a clash with former AFCON champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday 31 March as they warm up for this summer’s tournament in the Americas.
“There's one or two that you're looking at that have had good seasons for their clubs and you're thinking that there might be a place in the squad for them,” the Scotland head coach told Sky Sports at the weekend. “At the moment I've got four or five players that are currently out injured. I've probably got another four or five that don't play regularly at their club. So there's lots to look at and there's still lots of football to be played between now and final squad selection in May.”
Here, the Scotsman look at 15 players hoping to be called up to the Scotland squad for next month’s friendlies with Japan and the Ivory Coast.
5. Harry Milne - Hearts
Part of a Hearts defence that has played a pivotal part in their rise to the top of the Scottish Premiership, there have been calls to include the 28-year-old left-back in the Scotland squad already. While captain Andy Robertson is the first choice option at left-back, Milne could possibly be viewed as a viable back-up. Has seven goal contributions this season. | SNS Group
6. Ross Stewart - Southampton
Without a debilitating two-and-a-half-year spell of injury hell, the former Ross County forward would likely have more than just two Scotland caps to his name. Called up after a goal-laden spell at Sunderland in 2022, he spent the bulk of the next three seasons battling to come back from Achilles, hamstring, and muscle injuries. However, it looks like the 6ft 5in striker has finally put his problems behind him. He has four goals and two assists in just six starts this term. | Getty Images
7. Ryan Porteous - Los Angeles FC
Has barely featured for Scotland after being sent off in the opening game of Euro 2024 against Germany for a rash challenge. Struggled for form after moving on loan to Preston North End from Watford at the back end of the 2024/25 season, and opted to depart Vicarage Road to move to the MLS. Slowly but surely, the ex-Hibs defender became an integral figure at LAFC as they made it all the way to the 2025 Conference semi-finals. Could now be the time for Clarke to bed him back into the squad? | Getty Images
8. Elliot Watt - Motherwell
Motherwell fans have urged Clarke to hand him a Scotland call-up after an excellent debut season at the club. He has shown strong passing ability, a controlling presence, and leadership qualities since moving to Fir Park in the summer and rightly been recognised as one of the best-performing midfielders in the Scottish Premiership. | SNS Group