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.
5. GK: Liam Kelly - Rangers
Faces an uncertain future at his club and a battle to be named in the final squad for the tournament after playing just three games this season, but is likely to be part of Steve Clarke's monster 55-man squad. | SNS Group
6. GK: Robby McCrorie - Esbjerg (loan)
Moved to the Danish First Division on loan from Kilmarnock in the summer, and has played regularly at Esbjerg. | SNS Group
7. GK: Zander Clark - Doncaster Rovers (loan)
Another who was forced to move clubs to regular first-team football, Clark has been a regular at the Keepmoat since joining on loan from Hearts in January. | SNS Group
8. DF: Aaron Hickey - Brentford
Scotland's first choice right-back is almost certain to be named in the squad, injury permitting. | SNS Group