Scotland return to action next month as they begin their World Cup preparations with two friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast.
Scheduled to be their first game since the dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark that sealed qualification to the World Cup in November, Steve Clarke’s side will face Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday 28 March, before heading to Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for a clash with former AFCON champions Ivory Coast on Tuesday 31 March as they warm up for this summer’s tournament in the Americas.
“There's one or two that you're looking at that have had good seasons for their clubs and you're thinking that there might be a place in the squad for them,” the Scotland head coach told Sky Sports at the weekend. “At the moment I've got four or five players that are currently out injured. I've probably got another four or five that don't play regularly at their club. So there's lots to look at and there's still lots of football to be played between now and final squad selection in May.”
Here, the Scotsman look at 15 players hoping to be called up to the Scotland squad for next month’s friendlies with Japan and the Ivory Coast.
9. Craig Halkett - Hearts
If there's one area of the squad that Scotland could do with bulking up, it is at the centre of defence. A presence at both ends of the pitch, Hearts' vice captain has been a crucial part of the club's excellent season. Halkett is surely on the radar of Clarke and the national team after his performances at Tynecastle this term. | SNS Group
10. Stuart Findlay - Hearts
If Halkett is on Scotland's radar, then his centre-back partner surely must be as well. Clarke knows all about Findlay's ability, having worked with him during the pair's time at Kilmarnock. One of Hearts' standout performers this term, he will hope to be given an opportunity to impress his former boss before the World Cup in the summer. | SNS Group
11. Tommy Conway - Middlesbrough
Part of the Scotland squad that went to Euro 2024, the pacey striker last played for the national team in a 4-0 away win against Liechtenstein last June. Currently top of the EFL Championship with his club side Middlesbrough, the 23-year-old has scored four goals in as many games and will surely be on Clarke's mind ahead of next month's World Cup warm-up games. | Getty Images
12. Dom Hyam - Wrexham
A player who has been on the periphery of the Scotland team for over 12 months now, the centre-back has been a regular in a Wrexham starting XI that is pushing for a fourth successive promotion in the EFL Championship. Has started all but one of the Welsh sides' league games this term, ousting the likes of Conor Coady and Dan Scarr. | AFP via Getty Images