Just 74 days on from Scotland’s gut-wrenching exit at the European Championships in Germany, Steve Clarke’s side are back in action as they begin their 2024 Nations League campaign at Hampden Park in early September.
With a chance to move on from their disappointing performances at the summer tournament, the Tartan Army will welcome Poland to the home of Scottish football on September 5, before flying off to sunny Portugal for an international double header.
After their promotion in the last Nations League campaign, Clarke will see his side placed in Group A1 for the first time, where they will be relishing the opportunity to test his themselves against some of Europe’s strongest teams. Sadly for the Scotland boss though, he faces a number of selection issues, with injuries and match fitness a concern for the 60-year-old boss. But how will his first squad since Euro 2024 look? And who’s squad place is in doubt?
Ahead of the games with Poland and Portugal, we look at 10 players who could miss out on call-ups next month.
1. Tommy Conway - Bristol City
He was a late inclusion in Scotland's Euro 2024 squad, making his debut against Finland in the final pre-tournament warm up at Hampden Park. While he is likely to be in Steve Clarke's future plans, Conway simply hasn't played enough football recently. The 22-year-old was left to train with the Bristol City reserves following his refusal to sign a new deal at Ashton Gate. Expected to join Middlesbrough for £5million in the coming days, it feels unlikely he will be in the squad until he plays regularly again. | SNS Group
2. Ryan Jack - Unattached
The ex-Rangers midfielder hasn't completed 90 minutes since March and is still without a club three weeks into the season. Callum McGregor's retirement leaves a space in midfield but it seems increasingly unlikely that the 32-year-old will be part of Steve Clarke's plans until he a) finds a club and b) regains match fitness. | SNS Group
3. Stuart Armstrong - Unattached
Another player who hasn't played regular football for months, the ex-Southampton midfielder missed the remainder of the Saints' season with injury before his contract expired in the summer. He featured sporadically at the Euros, but hasn't found a club upon his return. His place is surely under threat until that is resolved. | SNS Group
4. Grant Hanley - Norwich City
He has been one of the first names on Steve Clarke's team sheet since his arrival as head coach. He started Norwich's opening game against Oxford United but was taken off on the hour as the Canaries went 2-0 down and has since been replaced with Manchester City loanee Callum Doyle. After playing just eight times last season, will Clarke decide to try something new in defence? | SNS Group / SFA