Scotland World Cup squad LIVE as Steve Clarke reveals his 26 players who will be on the plane

Scotland are back at the World Cup nearly 30 years since the last one and the country cannot wait

Steve Clarke has named the 26 players who will carry the hopes of a nation at this summer's World Cup.

The national team boss revealed has revealed his squad list for those who will be on that plane across the Atlantic.

There weren't too many major shocks, although there is no place for Lennon Miller - and keeper Scott Bain misses out, possibly through injury.

But there is a place for his old Celtic team-mate Craig Gordon who, at the age of 43 and five months, could become the second oldest player ever to feature at the World Cup after Egypt's Essam El-Hadary.

Some decisions were straightforward with the likes of Scott McTominay and John McGinn the first names down on the sheet.

But Rangers kid Findlay Curtis, on loan at Kilmarnock for the second half of the season, and Southampton's Ross Stewart made late runs to get on that plane.

Follow all the reaction to the World Cup squad announcement in our LIVE blog.

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Key Events

Scotland World Cup squad in full

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Give them their place

Albion Rovers rightly sharing the credit with a nice little stat:

The Southampton man is only the third former Rovers player to be named to a World Cup squad after Sam Malcolmson's appearance for New Zealand at Spain 1982, and Tommy Coyne's three games for the Republic of Ireland at USA '94.

Ross Stewart gets his wish

Ross Stewart makes Scotland World Cup squad after telling Record Sport's In Conversation he'd bust a gut to get there

You heard it here first.

When Ross Stewart was In Conversation with Record Sport, He told our man Scott Burns that he'd bust a gut to try to force himself into Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for this summer's finals.

And after helping fire Southampton to the playoff final (punishment for spying pending), Clarke decided the Loch Ness Drogba would do for him and he;s one of five front men on the plane.

The pride of Rugby Park

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann is bursting with pride that Findlay Curtis has made the cut for Scotland’s World Cup squad.

Loan star Curtis’ stunning form for the Rugby Park outfit has seen him named in Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad for this summer’s finals.

The 19-year-old winger was a standout for Killie, on loan for Rangers, as he bagged five goals to help them beat the drop and retain their Premiership status.

Curtis was called up by Clarke for the international friendly matches in March and made his debut as a second half sub in the 1-0 defeat to Japan.

And he has retained his spot in the squad for the major finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico as Scotland prepare to take on Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C.

And McCann is thrilled for the youngster and insists his selection is recognition for his displays for Killie.

The staff, players and I are absolutely delighted with this hugely positive news. We all have an immense sense of pride in Fin earning his spot in Steve’s squad off the back of his time with us. He deserves this recognition for the levels he’s shown while on loan here. It’s also a feather in the cap of the football club, and highlights what we can do for players at Killie, no matter the stage of their development. Fin has been a breath of fresh air to work with, and we wish him nothing but the best with Scotland this summer.” ends

It's...good...being Scottish!

In 1996, he was running down Princes Street after going on the chore.

In 1998, Ewan McGregor was in Fance.

30 years later, he's backing Steve Clarke's boys ahead of America.

It was an honour to be asked by the Scottish FA to play my part as Scotland return to the world stage for the first time since 1998. I remember my time in France supporting Scotland fondly, and I'm sure the squad chosen by Steve Clarke will make the nation proud this summer.

Squad spotting

Choose a veteran goalkeeper for one last dance.

Choose tried and tested defenders.

Choose the Hampden heroes that downed Denmark.

Choose red hot strikers.

Choose Scotland.

Scotland World Cup squad in full

So here it is - the 26 names who will carry the hopes of a nation across the Big Pond this summer.

Goalkeepers

Craig Gordon

Angus Gunn

Liam Kelly

Defenders

Grant Hanley

Jack Hendry

Aaron Hickey

Dominic Hyam

Scott McKenna

Nathan Patterson

Anthony Ralston

Andy Robertson

John Souttar

Kieran Tierney

Midfielders

Ryan Christie

Findlay Curtis

Lewis Ferguson

Ben Gannon-Doak

Billy Gilmour

John McGinn

Kenny McLean

Scott McTominay

Strikers

Che Adams

Lyndon Dykes

George Hirst

Lawrence Shankland

Ross Stewart

Huge keeper call

We'll find out very shortly but what will the keeper situation be?

Scott Bain has been out injured for Falkirk and failed to make the squad for their final match against Rangers.

Craig Gordon has been back training with Hearts and will be doing everything to become the second oldest player to feature at a World Cup at the age of 43 and five months.

Angus Gunn looks certain to go, with Liam Kelly also in contention.

Hanley injury blow?

Grant Hanley is sweating over his place after the veteran defender suffered a knee injury in Hibs' final game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday.

It would be a huge blow for the 34-year-old who has been capped 66 times, and made his international debut 15 years ago.

If he is ruled out, who would Steve Clarke turn to? Wrexham's Dominic Hyam has featured and made his first start against the Ivory Coast in March.

Brazil in focus

Brazil - Scotland World Cup opponent in focus

The most famous international side in football need no introduction.

They are the World Cup kings with five titles and some of the best teams to have ever played the game.

This current crop isn't vintage, not even compared to the '98 version we opened the tournament against, including O Phenomeno R9 himself.

But it's still Brazil, now featuring Neymar, who has been recalled by Carlo Ancelotti for this summer's tournament.

The final group game in Miami is what World Cups are all about, but it's not one Scotland will want to go in to needing a result.

Morocco in focus

Morocco - Scotland World Cup opponent in focus

The North Afircans dumped us out of France 98 with a 3-0 win in St Ettiene, but they are an entirely different proposition nearly three decades on.

Morocco finished third in the last World Cup and to say they;ve had a busy year this year is an understatement.

They reached the final of their own AFCON, were awarded a last gasp penaty to win it and after opponents Senegal returned to the pitch after protesting the decision, Brahim Diaz missed it and Senegal went on to win in extra time.

However, Morocco have since been awarded a 3-0 win due to the Senegalese leaving the pitch - a sruling which they are now challenging.

Oh and they've also changed manager, with Mohamed Ouahbi taking over from Walid Regragui.

Haiti in focus

Haiti - Scotland's World Cup opponent in focus

The Caribbean minnows represent our best chance of three points, but is it ever straight forward for Scotland?

They will be thinking exactly the same about Steve Clarke's side and with Wilson Isidor now among their ranks, they have a genuine threat up front.

Fail to win our opening game in Boston and qualification for the knockout rounds is going to be a tall task.

Huge week for McGinn

John McGinn will be one of the first names on Steve Clarke's list for America - and Lee Hendrie believes if the midfielder lifts a European trophy for Aston Villa it will seal his legendary status at the club.

The former England midfielder is a huge fan of the Scot, who will captain Unai Emery’s side against Freiburg in the Europa League Final on Wednesday night.

McGinn has been one of Villa’s best-ever signings and Hendrie admits he’s already an icon at Villa Park.

But he says getting his hands on silverware will put the 31-year-old on a par with club greats.

Hendrie, now a Sky Sports pundit, said:

Pound for pound, John has to be one of Villa's best ever signings. People didn't know what you were going to get with him. A lot of Scottish guys that come down to England don't succeed to that level, maybe because they don't have the ability to adapt to it. But he took to it like a duck to water. He was unbelievable straight away. He had that physicality, getting his a**e stuck out. He's been an unbelievable signing. For me, he's already in the top legends of the football club. The quality and the leadership he's brought is unquestionable. I would have loved to have played in the same team as John, because you know he could give you a kick up the a**e if you needed it. I’ve been around legends at Villa and he is definitely in that bracket. Would winning the Europa League elevate him even more? 100 percent. That's the ultimate now this season. For how much of a legend he already is, to walk away with silverware when Villa haven't won a trophy for quite some time would be the ultimate for John.

McGinn joined Villa from Hibs in 2018 and has become a fans’ favourite at the club

Hendrie is amazed that even bigger clubs in the Premier League haven’t paid top dollar for Scotland’s talisman.

And he expects him to shine for Steve Clarke’s national side at the World Cup in America this summer.

There's been a lot of links over the years. Manchester United were one and Spurs as well. I couldn't imagine seeing him wearing another shirt. But I’m so surprised someone hasn't tried to come and take him away. On the flip side, if you're Villa's manager, why would you want to sell such an asset? I know the profit would be huge, considering what they bought him for. But there's not many players that lead by example in the Premier League like John does. If you were to offer him to any of the top clubs, I think they'd snap their hand off. He's amongst the top midfielders playing in England, there's no doubt about that. He's a top international, playing in the top flight and is so reliable. If you tried to handpick a guy like that who is the whole package - you're talking stupid money (to buy him). The World Cup has come at a great time for John. At this stage of his career, to do something special with Scotland would be phenomenal for himself and the country. It’s a big time for him.

Jury delivers verdict

Will Steve Clarke throw in any Scotland World Cup curveballs with his squad announcement this week?

Michael Gannon: Clarke will stick to his tried and trusted so there are unlikely to be any surprises. It would be nice to see Ross Stewart in there as the frontman has been in superb form for Southampton in their promotion push.

Ryan McDonald: Ross Stewart has been in red-hot form for Southampton and must be in contention for a recall. Craig Halkett deserved to be included after an outstanding season at Hearts, but his injury could open the door to someone like Stephen Welsh, who has starred on loan at Motherwell.

Scott Burns: I think Ross Stewart at Southampton deserves a recall. He is big, fit and scoring goals. Whether Steve Clarke gives him or any other outsider a chance is probably unlikely.

Decision time

Steve Clarke's famous loyalty means that much of the squad will pick itself. Injuries not withstanding, it's impossible to imagine Scotland boarding the flight without Scott McTominay, John McGinn or Andy Robertson.

But that's not to say there aren't spots up for grabs. We've taken a look at 43 of the contenders – some of which are safe and some of which are distant hopefuls – to see what Clarke is choosing from now that it's decision time.

Striking chance

It used to be the case that you struggled to find a single in-form Scotland striker.

Nowadays, you can't move for them.

Steve Clarke has the unenviable choice of whittling his long-list of 55 down to 26 in time for the trip to North America and among the biggest headaches will be who he takes to lead his line.

Some of the choices look like no-brainers. His loyalty to the likes of Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams isn't about to dissipate and you can hardly say no to PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominee Lawrence Shankland.

Beyond that, though? It's anyone's guess.

There are players in Scotland, England, Germany, Italy and even Sweden now hoping for a career-changing call from the gaffer between now and June.

Here, we've taken a look at all of them and rated their chances of making the plane.

READ MORE : The 13 Scotland strikers in World Cup contention ranked as Steve Clarke faces his toughest decision yet

Ancelotti explains Neymar recall

Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he handed Brazilian legend Neymar a dramatic recall for their World Cup campaign, which will see them face Scotland.

The all-time top international scorer with the South American giants was named in Ancelotti's squad for the tournament after over 900 days since he last played for Brazil.

The Santos ace has recovered from knee surgery and the 34-year-old clearly impressed Brazil's highly-decorated manager this year.

And Ancelotti remains convinced Neymar can make an impact, despite snubbing him for his last squad in March.

He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup. He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup too. Neymar has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group and he can create a better environment in this group.

He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 79 goals - two more than Pele - and won the last of his 128 caps on October 18, 2023.

Why Scotland went for 55

Steve Clarke initially had to submit a list if 55 players to FIFA.

That was kept in-house by the SFA and today he whittles it down.

Here;s everything you need to know.

Preliminary deadline: Monday, May 11 is when Steve Clarke must submit a provisional "release list" to FIFA. This can include up to 55 World Cup hopefuls and his final 26 man pool will be selected from. The Scottish FA is referring to this as their "fitness list".

UEFA involved: While the World Cup is FIFA competition, prelim squads are often referred to in the context of UEFA as it secures the release of players from European clubs. This makes sure that they are all legally available for international duty within the rest and preparation periods that are mandated.

Why submit the prelim list? This is so that FIFA and the various continental associations have the required paperwork for player eligibility, anti-doping protocols and planning across three different host countries.

Making the cut: The 55-man list must be cut down to 26 by May 30 (Steve Clarke is expected to name his squad on May 19). This will be the registered squad Clarke takes to America.

Group C: Scotland face some familiar faces this summer. After opening our campaign against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil are the second and third group games, almost 30 years after taking on both during France 98.

Game 1: Scotland face Haiti in Boston on Sunday June 14 with a 2AM kick-off GMT.

Game 2: The Scots remain in Boston to play the controversial African champions on Friday June 19, kick-off 11pm GMT.

Game 3: After opening the tournament in 1998 against the Selecao, Brazil will be our final group fixture this time out. We face them in Miami on Wednesday June 24, kick-off 11pm GMT.

Knockout rounds: Scotland can make history by reaching the knock out stage of a major tournament for the first time ever., and depending on how we qualify, there are a few different possibilities: Group C winners: vs Group F runners up on Monday June 29 Group C runners up: Group F winners Monday June 29 Group C third place: Group E winners Monday June 29 or Group I or A winners, Tuesday June 30.

One Scotland star's dream is over

Scotland star Tommy Conway has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a devastating ankle injury.

The Middlesbrough forward had been in red-hot form over the past month, netting five goals in eight games.

But the 23-year-old left the pitch in tears after being forced off early in last week's 2-1 Championship play-off defeat to Southampton.

Steve Clarke is set to name his 26-man World Cup squad on Tuesday as hopefuls dream of a call-up to the USA.

However, after visiting a specialist on Friday, Conway has discovered he will require surgery on the ankle injury.

And that means the crestfallen attacker will heartbreakingly miss out on a seat on the plane.

It's a cruel blow for the six-times capped star, who featured in Scotland's friendly double-header against Japan and Ivory Coast in March.

43 Scotland hopefuls

Steve Clarke joked he might have to name himself when he picks his initial 55-man Scotland squad for the World Cup.

But while simply finding that many players is a headache, the real tough decisions will come when he has to cut it down to 26 for the travelling party for the USA.

World Cup fever is sweeping the nation ahead of the big one in North America as we end a 28-year wait for a seal at the biggest table in international football. Players are jostling elbows to be involved but only an elite group will make the final cut.

Clarke's famous loyalty means that much of the squad will pick itself. Injuries not withstanding, it's impossible to imagine Scotland boarding the flight without Scott McTominay, John McGinn or Andy Robertson.

But that's not to say there aren't spots up for grabs. We've taken a look at 43 of the contenders – some of which are safe and some of which are distant hopefuls – to see what Clarke is choosing from when it comes to decision time.

Good morning!

Can you feel it?

Can you feel the excitement, nostalgia and the can't quite put your finger on it energy? It all adds up to a major tournament this summer.

And Scotland will be there.

A first World Cup for almost 30 years typically includes two of the nations we faced the last time in Morocco and Brazil, although hopes are high for a good start against Haiti.

Who will be tasked with making history and propelling Scotland to the knockout stage for the first time ever?

We all know Steve Clarke is a creature of habit so don't expect anyone to come from nowhere in terms of call ups.

In fact, the Scotland boss admitted that there's only really one or two positions he was unsure about.

The 26-man squad for the USA is set to be announced at 11am, and we'll have all the build up, the big moment and reaction right here on the LIVE blog.

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