Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has revealed that he is expected to submit a bumper 55-man preliminary squad to FIFA ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Drawn in Group C in their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years, Clarke’s team will face Haiti in their opening game at the 63,815-capacity Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on June 13, before they take on Morocco at the same stadium five days later. Scotland finish their group stage fixtures with a match against Brazil in Miami on June 24.
Expected to name an enlarged squad of players, with a deadline of 11 May, Scotland will face a pre-tournament friendly against Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30. Clarke must then whittle down his list to 26 before the tournament begins the following month.
But who are the 55 players that Clarke is likely to be considering as part of his Scotland World Cup long-list? Here, we look at the players he is likely to consider.
1. GK: Craig Gordon - Hearts
The 43-year-old goalkeeper is in the frame to be Scotland's number one at the tournament, if he remains injury free. | SNS Group
2. GK: Angus Gunn - Nottingham Forest
Struggled for game time at club level, but has done well when called upon for Scotland. | SNS Group
3. GK: Jon McCracken - Dundee
The Dundee stopper is yet to be capped, but has been called up to the squad. Enjoyed a good season at Dens Park, and will hope to be one of several goalkeepers offered an opportunity to impress ahead of the tournament. | SNS Group
4. GK: Scott Bain - Falkirk
Deservedly recalled to the Scotland squad in November after a good start to the season with Falkirk, the experienced stopper is now eyeing World Cup place. | SNS Group