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.
13. DF: Kieran Tierney - Celtic
A versatile and experienced option, Tierney can fill in at left-back or left-centre back in a back three. | SNS Group
14. DF: Craig Halkett - Hearts
After being tipped for a first international call-up amid an excellent season with Hearts, could Halkett be included in Steve Clarke's long-list squad? | SNS Group
15. DF: John Souttar - Rangers
Cut from the final squad at Euro 2024, the experienced centre-back will want to ensure he doesn't miss out on this summer's World Cup in North America. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. DF: Dom Hyam - Wrexham
A virtual ever present with EFL Championship playoff hopefuls Wrexham, he's been capped twice by Scotland. | PA Photo: PA