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.
29. CM: Billy Gilmour - Napoli
A classy operator, Gilmour is trusted to dictate to play for Scotland and is one of the best passers in the squad. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
30. CM: Ryan Christie - AFC Bournemouth
One of the team's most industrious midfielders, Christie is capable of playing a variety of roles for Scotland. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
31. CM: Kenny McLean - Norwich City
The Scotland hero has come up clutch for his country several times. Offers experience and leadership in the centre of the park. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
32. CM: Josh Mulligan - Hibs
Signed from Dundee as a right-back, Mulligan has flourished in a central midfield role at Easter Road. Closing in on a return from injury, and is expected to be fit for the World Cup. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group