Can you believe it is close to two months since Scotland’s heart-wrenching exit from the group stages of the European Championships in Germany? No, we can’t either!
While the pain of that last minute exit still lingers, the good news for Steve Clarke and his Scotland squad is they now have a chance to banish those painful summer memories. In just over a fortnight, the Tartan Army will begin their 2024 Nations League campaign with a double header against Poland and Portugal and the first post-Euros squad is now just a week away from being announced.
Placed in Group A1, Clarke will lead his side into a group that faces a number of Europe’s top clubs and will be relishing the opportunity to test his side against some of the world’s best players. However, with Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson, Aaron Hickey are all struggling for fitness ahead of the double header in September, and Ryan Jack and Stuart Armstrong still without a club, Clarke may see the new Nations League campaign as an opportunity to blood new names into his squad.
But which names could be in the frame for their first caps in September? We look at 10 uncapped players who could be set for their call ups next month.
5. Harvey Barnes - Newcastle United
He's more than good enough to be included in the squad, but can the Newcastle ace be convinced to switch his international allegiance? He recently revealed they'd been tentative discussions about playing for Scotland, but like a true professional, he said just wants to concentrate on getting fit and performing at club level first. However, if he hasn't already, Steve Clarke should on the phone to the ex-Leicester City man to see if he fancies taking the plunge once and for all. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. David Watson - Kilmarnock
Winner of the SFWA young player of the year award last year, Watson was a key reason Derek McInnes' Killie side qualified for Europe. Still just 19, players like Watson are the future of Scottish football and getting him in and amongst the squad will do him the world of good - even if he doesn't play. | SNS Group
7. Connor Barron - Rangers
While Rangers' start to the campaign has been patchy at best, Barron has been impressive following his move from Aberdeen. With Callum McGregor's retirement opening up a midfield spot in the squad, the 21-year-old will feel he has a chance at a call up. He has 92.2% pass accuracy in his opening two league games and 71.4% long ball accuracy. The boy can pick a pass and has long been impressing at under-21 level. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Karamoko Dembele - Queens Park Rangers
A left-field shout, but the ex-Celtic youngster has been in excellent form over the last season on loan at Blackpool. He scored eight goals and assisted a further 13 at Bloomfield Road, which bagged himself a move up the EFL pyramid this summer with Queens Park Rangers. He has played for both Scotland and England at youth level. Could now be the time to ask him to nail his international allegiance to the mast and see what he can offer? | Pete Norton/Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images