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.
37. CM: Elliot Watt - Motherwell
One of the Scottish Premiership's top performing players this season, Motherwell fans have urged Steve Clarke to give Watt a call-up to the senior set up. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
38. CM: David Watson - Kilmarnock
Captain of the Scotland Under-21 side, the Killie youngster could be offered a chance to impress at senior level ahead of the tournament. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
39. CM: Ryan Gauld - Vancouver Whitecaps
Underwent surgery on a knee problem recently, but is expected to be fit for the World Cup, if required. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
40. CF: Ben Gannon-Doak - AFC Bournemouth
Injured in the opening stages of the memorable 4-2 win over Denmark in November, the youngster has only recently returned to the Cherries squad, but is a crucial player for the national team. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group