Rangers hero drops out for Premier League new boy as Steve Clarke springs surprises in latest Scotland squad

STEVE CLARKE has called up a few unfamiliar names as he selects his squad for the latest clashes with Croatia and Portugal.

There's a recall for Che Adams, with the big striker bang in form for new club Torino - having banged in four goals already this season.

3 Steve Clarke has named his squad for the next double header Credit: Kenny Ramsay

3 Che Adams in action during the Coppa Italia match between Torino FC and Empoli FC Credit: Alamy

3 West Ham United’s Andy Irving applauds the fans at the final whistle Credit: Getty

He pulled out of the last Nations League double header against Poland and Portugal following a conversation with Clarke.

But since then he's played and scored in each of his last three matches - although he came off the bench in the 3-2 Serie A defeat to Lazio.

And he's back in now - as a welcome boost to the national team.

Celtic duo Greg Taylor and James Forrest also withdrew from the squad last time out - with Rangers' Connor Barron coming into the squad as a replacement.

But there's NO sign of the Rangers star this time around - with West Ham's Andy Irving handed a maiden call-up.

Despite being a mainstay through the youth ranks, Barron didn't play in either game and is likely to return to the Under-21 squad.

Liam Lindsay factfile Full Name: Liam Lindsay

Liam Lindsay Date of Birth: 12 October 1995

12 October 1995 Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland Nationality: Scottish

Scottish Position: Central Defender

Central Defender Current Club: Preston North End (as of 2023)

Preston North End (as of 2023) Youth Career: Developed at Partick Thistle

Developed at Partick Thistle Senior Career Clubs: Partick Thistle, Alloa Athletic (loan), Airdrieonians (loan), Barnsley, Stoke City, Preston North End

Partick Thistle, Alloa Athletic (loan), Airdrieonians (loan), Barnsley, Stoke City, Preston North End Notable Achievements: Helped Barnsley achieve promotion to the Championship in the 2018-2019 season

Helped Barnsley achieve promotion to the Championship in the 2018-2019 season Playing Style: Strong in defence, excellent in aerial duels, good positional sense and tackling

Strong in defence, excellent in aerial duels, good positional sense and tackling Appearances & Goals (as of 2023): Partick Thistle: 66 appearances, 6 goals Barnsley: 78 appearances, 4 goals Stoke City: 14 appearances, 0 goals Preston North End: 44 appearances, 2 goals Represented Scotland at various youth international levels

There's no place for Scotland hero John McGinn who has been laid low with a hamstring strain which will prevent him playing against Bayern Munich.

Napoli duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour are both included, while Nicky Devlin gets the nod after Aberdeen's great start to the season.

Craig Gordon is back in favour in goal, with Preston North End's Liam Lindsay also coming into the group for the first time.

He'll vie with Rangers hero John Souttar at the back - with the Scots missing mainstays such as Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna through injury.

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Scotland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Jon McCracken (Dundee)

Defenders: Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Liam Lindsay (Preston North End), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy GIlmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (West Ham Utd), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

Forwards: Ben Doak (Middlesbrough), James Forrest (Celtic), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls), Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Andy Irving factfile Full Name: Andrew Irving

Andrew Irving Date of Birth: 13 May 2000

13 May 2000 Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland Nationality: Scottish

Scottish Position: Central Midfielder

Central Midfielder Current Club: West Ham

West Ham Youth Career: Developed at Heart of Midlothian

Developed at Heart of Midlothian Senior Career Clubs: Heart of Midlothian, Berwick Rangers (loan), Falkirk (loan), Türkgücü München, SK Austria Klagenfurt, West Ham

Heart of Midlothian, Berwick Rangers (loan), Falkirk (loan), Türkgücü München, SK Austria Klagenfurt, West Ham Notable Achievements: Regular first-team player at Hearts, contributing to their midfield dynamic

Regular first-team player at Hearts, contributing to their midfield dynamic Playing Style: Technically skilled, good passing range, strong vision and game intelligence

Technically skilled, good passing range, strong vision and game intelligence Appearances & Goals: Heart of Midlothian: 61 appearances, 3 goals Berwick Rangers (loan): 13 appearances, 3 goals Falkirk (loan): 8 appearances, 0 goals Türkgücü München: 20 appearances, 1 goal SK Austria Klagenfurt : 59 appearances, 14 goals West Ham: 3 appearances, 0 goals Represented Scotland at various youth international levels, known for his set-piece abilities

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