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.
13. Jon McCracken - Dundee
As attested to earlier, there are goalkeeping slots up for grabs in this Scotland squad ahead of the World Cup. While he has spent the bulk of the season battling at the wrong end of the table, Dundee goalkeeper McCracken has been one of the league's most impressive stoppers. Has a save percentage rate of 70.1%, and is more than capable with the ball at his feet if Clarke wants to add another dimension to his goalkeeping department. | SNS Group
14. Oli Burke - Union Berlin
After a nomadic start to his career, the powerful 28-year-old striker has found a home in the Bundesliga over the last few seasons. After bagging six goals for Werder Bremen last season, Burke moved to Union Berlin in the summer and has continued to find the net on a semi-regular basis. Has four goals from his 13 starts this season and picked up an assist in his side's 3-2 defeat to Hamburg at the weekend. Scored the winner in Clarke's first game as head coach against Cyprus, and will be desperate to prove he still has what it takes at the international level if given an opportunity to impress. | Getty Images
15. Kieron Bowie - Hellas Verona
One of many Scots playing his football in the Serie A following his move to Hellas Verona during the winter transfer window. He's not featured for Scotland since appearing off the bench in a 2-1 win over Belarus in October. Having already admitted his move to Italy was partly due to his desire to be included in the World Cup squad this summer, Bowie will be hoping to return to the plans when the national team meet for next month's pre-tournament friendlies. | Getty Images