Is Clarke’s squad a glimpse into Scotland’s future?

Scotland vs. Iceland: friendly international

When: Friday, June 6th, When: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BST

As Scotland manager, Steve Clarke is no stranger to changing and evolving.

He has frequently changed his squad and won two major championships while serving the national team for six years.

After 27 years, Clarke’s Scotland’s last appearance at the world’s largest event was in 1998, and they now have a place there.

As they prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off in September, the 61-year-old has selected seven uncapped players for the month’s friendly games against Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Along with West Ham United’s Andy Irving, Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, and Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, are also included in the Motherwell lineup: Lennon Miller, Connor Barron of Rangers, and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig from Motherwell.

The other two players have yet to make their full international debuts, besides goalkeepers Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker.

The number of younger faces is one thing that stands out in addition to the numerous uncapped players.

12 members of the 25-man squad are 25 or younger and have their best years in store.

One of them is Lewis Ferguson. The Bologna captain struggled for regular starts in his country despite winning the Coppa Italia last year and continuing his excellent story on the continent.

Ryan Christie is recovering from an injury and Kenny McLean is missing, giving him a chance to make his first appearance in midfield alongside Billy Gilmour.

With Anthony Ralston, the other right-back in the squad, second choice at Celtic, Max Johnston, 21, and Nathan Patterson, 23, could have second-choice opportunities to impress.

Bowie and James Wilson of Heart of Midlothian are the other young, striking options, along with Tommy Conway from Middlesbrough.

However, the squad’s familiarity persists throughout.

Scotland was well-equipped with a lot of top-notch goalkeeping talent not long ago.

Any of David Marshall, Allan McGregor, or Craig Gordon were well-known abroad.

The resources between the sticks are less plentiful these days.

Due to injury, Gordon, now 42, is not a member of this squad. Even a man of his caliber and resilience might not be able to compete in the 2026 World Cup if Scotland were to qualify.

Despite making numerous high-profile errors for both the club and country during Euro 2024, Angus Gunn is now a free agent after being let go by Norwich City.

The uncapped Slicker and McCrorie have only passing club experience, respectively.

Miller unquestionably has the most buzz around him among the uncapped players.

Since making his senior club debut at the age of 16, the 18-year-old midfielder from Motherwell has improved tremendously.

After a season in which he scored four goals and added seven assists in 36 games, he won the PFA Scotland young player of the year award last month.

Miller is expected to leave Fir Park for a sizable transfer fee, which Miller could increase with his Scotland bow against Iceland or Liechtenstein.

After receiving his first call-up for Scotland in March, Miller said, “I could possibly be the best player there in a few months.”

He later made amends to his comments, stating that the pace of the claim was a “mistake” but reiterating his desire to be the best player he can be.

He lacks confidence, not at all.

If the chance comes up, Bowie will want to have an impact.

He recovered from a hamstring injury while playing for Scotland Under-21s and scored six goals in his first season for Hibs.

When Clarke named his squad, “he always stood out whenever I watched the Under-21s.” He has good qualities for his game, including being big, strong, and physically strong.

You have Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet coming in the summer, so I knew what they could bring. So, it was only interesting to see if we could expand the player pool.