Scotland Squad: Gunn Returns, Curtis Earns Shock Call-Up for World Cup Warm-Ups
Gunn returns as teen winger Curtis earns first call up as Scotland prepares for friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.
Steve Clarke has named a 26-man Scotland squad for the World Cup warm-up friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast, blending experience with fresh talent ahead of the summer tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Uncapped Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis is a surprise call-up, while Angus Gunn comes back in for the injured Craig Gordon.
Key Returns and Absences
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn returns despite limited minutes at Nottingham Forest this season, replacing the 43-year-old Hearts keeper Craig Gordon who’s sidelined by injury. Gunn started for Scotland at Euro 2024 and brings Premier League pedigree to the position alongside Falkirk’s Scott Bain and Rangers’ Liam Kelly.
Defence sees Nathan Patterson and Dom Hyam back in after injuries to Aaron Hickey and Josh Doig, with Grant Hanley holding his spot despite a month out due to injury. Up front, Middlesbrough’s Tommy Conway rejoins the national team, but Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland misses out while recovering from injury, and Ben Doak misses due to a hamstring issue from the Denmark playoff win.
Midfield sees Andy Irving from Sparta Prague called up, but the big talking point is 19-year-old winger Findlay Curtis, on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers. Curtis has impressed with six appearances at Rugby Park since January, building on three Rangers goals and one Under-21 cap. Clarke sees him as a potential spark in attack alongside Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, and George Hirst.
Scotland host Japan at Hampden on March 28, their first home game since the 4-2 Denmark victory that sealed World Cup spots. Three days later, they travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for a friendly against Ivory Coast, African Cup quarter-finalists.
Curacao visit Hampden on May 30 before a USA-based friendly, ahead of their first World Cup game on June 14th against Haiti.
Scotland Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (Sparta Prague), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich)