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.
49. CF: George Hirst - Ipswich Town
Impressed in his cameo against Japan, and looks to be a viable alternative to Dykes as a a big physical target man. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
50. CF: Oli McBurnie - Hull City
Without a cap in over five years, McBurnie has been in prolific form for the Tigers since joining on a free transfer in the summer. He's scored 13 goals in the EFL Championship. | Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
51. CF: Barney Stewart - Falkirk
The young striker has been mentioned as a potential striking option for Scotland after scoring seven goals in just 12 starts for Falkirk. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
52. CF: Ross Stewart - Southampton
Capped just twice, the former Sunderland marksman has struggled with injury in recent seasons. After making a recovery this year, he has recorded five goals and two assists in the EFL Championship with Southampton. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group