Scotland Recall Shankland for World Cup Qualifiers

Scottish Squad Readies for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

The Scottish national football team is preparing for two pivotal games against Greece and Denmark, part of the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Steve Clarke has made significant adjustments to his squad, aiming to secure a place in the March play-offs.

Goalkeeper Crisis and Bain’s Return

Angus Gunn, who had started all four previous qualifiers, will miss out due to injury. Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain, last seen for Scotland in 2019, has been recalled. Clarke aims to bolster his squad with experienced goalkeepers, considering Liam Kelly from Rangers and the veteran Craig Gordon, set to turn 43 next month.

“We’re in a good position,” Clarke stated. “What we have to do is make sure we get the result we need in Greece to make the Denmark game a cup final.” The coach emphasized the importance of securing at least a point against Greece on November 15, given the superior goal difference and upcoming matches.

Striker Lawrence Shankland’s Return

Lawrence Shankland, striker for Heart of Midlothian, has been recalled to the squad. The 30-year-old last featured for Scotland in a Nations League victory against Poland a year ago. Shankland tops the Scottish Premiership goalscoring chart with seven goals this season and has formed a strong partnership with new signing Claudio Braga.

Clarke praised Shankland, saying, “Lawrence is getting his goals. If you need someone in the squad for goals, Lawrence is your man.” The coach noted that Shankland’s experience and goal-scoring ability are crucial for these upcoming games.

Squad Breakdown

The 25-man squad includes:

• Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
• Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
• Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese)
• Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)

Kieron Bowie misses out to make way for Shankland’s return. The team faces Greece on November 15 and Denmark three days later, with the goal of securing a place in March play-offs.

Conclusion

A Tense Battle for Scotland

The upcoming World Cup qualifiers serve as a critical juncture for Scotland’s national football team. With experience and goal-scoring prowess crucial, head coach Steve Clarke is setting his sights on the Denmark match as a “cup final.” The squad’s strategic changes and the inclusion of veteran players like Bain and Shankland underscore their determination to progress in the tournament.