Hickey back for Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers

As World Cup qualifying kicks off with a home match between Denmark and Belarus next month, Aaron Hickey makes his first appearance in the Scotland squad in almost two years.

Since missing action since October 2023, the 23-year-old Brentford full-back has made two Premier League appearances as substitutes.

In the same month, he won his final of his 14 international caps.

After extensive injury breaks, Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak, and Lyndon Dykes return.

Since Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly are Rangers and Nottingham Forest’s respective second choice, Zander Clark may be the favorite to take the gloves.

Lennon Miller, a teenager at Udinese, takes his place after playing in summer friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein, while manager Steve Clarke recalls Blackburn Rovers defender Dominic Hyam, who was once capped as a late substitute in June 2023.

Four of the eight midfielders on the list are based in Serie A because of the 19-year-old’s inclusion.

Hibernian’s Kieron Bowie has had a successful start to the season, and the 22-year-old striker has a second chance after making his debut against Liechtenstein in June.

Scotland travels to Belarus in Hungary on September 5 for a three-day meeting in Copenhagen.

Greece is Group C’s only member.

Only the group winners will be guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Scotland submitting an application for qualification for the first time since 1998.

Defenders: Hanley (Hibernian), Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Hickey (Brentford), Hyam (Blackburn Rovers), Johnston (Sturm Graz), McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Robertson (Liverpool), Souttar (Rangers), Tierney (Celtic),

Midfielders: McLean (Norwich City), McTominay (Napoli), Miller (Udinese), Ferguson (Bologna), Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Gilmour (Napoli), McLean (Napoli), McLean (Napoli), and Miller (Udinese).