Scotland summon uncapped teenager into squad but big names miss out in Steve Clarke's selection for friendlies
Bowie among absentees but key midfield duo make it
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has handed a surprise maiden call-up to young winger Findlay Curtis for the friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast later this month.
Curtis, who is currently on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, was the headline addition to the 26-man Scotland squad for the World Cup warm-up matches. There is also a return for striker Middlesbrough Tommy Conway and Everton right-back Nathan Patterson, both of whom have not been involved in the senior set-up since June 2025.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and forward Lawrence Shankland miss out, with the Hearts pair struggling with injuries. Shankland could return to club action this weekend, but Clarke has decided to go without him. Hellas Verona hitman Kieron Bowie is also a notable absentee after making the move to Serie A from Hibs at the end of January.
Key midfielders Scott McTominay (Napoli) and John McGinn (Aston Villa) are included after recent injuries, but Brentford right-back Aaron Hickey is out due to injury.
Curtis’ inclusion, however, is the biggest talking point. Clarke watched the 19-year-old in person on Saturday evening as he put in an impressive performance for Kilmarnock against Premiership leaders Hearts. He moved to Rugby Park earlier this year to get first-team action under Neil McCann and the switch has paid off.
Curtis has yet to be capped at any level for Scotland but could now win his first senior appearance later this month. A pacey, direct right-footed winger who can play on either side, he will offer a different option on the flanks - particularly with Ben Gannon-Doak still making his recovery from injury at Bournemouth.
Scotland play Japan on Saturday, March 28 at Hampden before facing Ivory Coast at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, March 31.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Scott Bain.
Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Dom Hyam, Ross McCrorie, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney.
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Andy Irving, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller.
Forwards: Che Adams, Tommy Conway, Findlay Curtis, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst.
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