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.
17. DF: Ross McCrorie - Bristol City
Capable of playing at right-back, centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield, McCrorie offers lots of versatility. | SNS Group / SFA Photo: SNS Group
18. DF: Nathan Patterson - Everton
Missed Euro 2024 with a ruptured hamstring. Recalled to the squad for the games against Japan and Ivory Coast. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
19. DF: Anthony Ralston - Celtic
Capped 25 times by Scotland, the experienced full-back is a regular in Steve Clarke's squad despite falling down the pecking order at Celtic this season. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
20. DF: Max Johnston - Derby County
Sidelined by a hamstring injury, the young right-back is expected to return in time for the World Cup this summer. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group