Scotland will complete their Nations League Group A1 campaign later this month with a double-header against Croatia and Poland as they look to stave off relegation from the competition.
A morale-boosting point against Portugal in the last round of fixtures provided some much-needed encouragement for Steve Clarke’s side, and they’ll now head into both games knowing they can still avoid dropping into League B, starting with the visit of Croatia to Hampden Park on November 15.
Clarke was forced to go into the last international camp without 10 players, as the likes of John McGinn, Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna all sat out due to various injuries. However, the 61-year-old head coach has been handed a monumental boost for the upcoming games after seeing several of his regular squad members make a return to fitness in recent weeks.
Here are the 11 players The Scotsman are tipping to make a return to the squad this month after missing the last international camp.
5. Lewis Ferguson
Made his first appearance in a matchday squad since suffering an ACL tear earlier in the year. While he is still short on match fitness, Steve Clarke could look to include him as he aims to integrate the Bologna captain back into his squad. | SNS Group
6. Stuart Armstrong
A Scotland regular in recent years, Armstrong was omitted from recent squads while he searched for a new club as a free agent. Linking up with Vancouver Whitecaps last month, he's been playing regularly again and seems to have formed a decent partnership with fellow Scot Ryan Gauld in the MLS. | SNS Group
7. Greg Taylor
Injured during Celtic's 7-1 thumping by Dortmund last month, the left-back made his return to the starting XI in his side's 2-0 win over Dundee in midweek. Taylor will be ready to return for Steve Clarke. | SNS Group
8. John McGinn
Missed the last squad due to a hamstring injury, but is back to full fitness and playing regularly for Aston Villa. McGinn will almost certainly return to the Scotland fold. | SNS Group