Scotland squad: Craig Gordon returns but John McGinn out for Nations League matches

Aberdeen's Nicky Devlin, Liam Lindsay of Preston North End and West Ham's Andy Irving given first call-ups; Scotland visit Croatia on October 12 before welcoming Portugal to Hampden Park on October 15 in the Nations League; Scotland are winless in their last eight competitive fixtures

By Sahil Jaidka, Sky Sports Scotland Editor @SahilJaidka

12:58, UK, Tuesday 01 October 2024

Details of Steve Clarke's 23-man squad for Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal

Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon has been recalled to the Scotland squad for their Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal.

The 41-year-old missed out on a place at Euro 2024, however, has reclaimed the No 1 spot at Hearts following a double leg break - meaning there is no place for club team-mate Zander Clark.

Head coach Steve Clarke said of Gordon's return: "I need three goalkeepers and what better than to bring Craig back.

"He's the No 1 at Hearts, playing every week. Zander is obviously on the bench, Liam Kelly is on the bench at Rangers and Robby McCrorie is on the bench at Kilmarnock."

Clarke on Gordon's return, first call-ups for Aberdeen's Nicky Devlin, Liam Lindsay of Preston North End and West Ham's Andy Irving, plus dealing with several injuries

Gordon made his last international appearance for Scotland in a friendly match against Finland in June, coming on as substitute and conceding two goals in a 2-2 draw in what was expected to be his farewell appearance for his nation.

However, when asked if Gordon has always been available for selection, if needed, Clarke replied: "Craig told me [after the Finland game] that it wasn't a farewell and he'd see me in the future. He's lived up to his promise.

"He has always shown he is up for the fight. He wants to play every week and he wants to play as much as he can for his country."

Uncapped trio in as injuries hit squad

Clarke has also given first call-ups to defenders Nicky Devlin of Aberdeen and Preston North End's Liam Lindsay, plus West Ham midfielder Andy Irving.

However, he will be without defender Scott McKenna, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and striker Tommy Conway all due to injury - while Arsenal's Kieran Tierney, Brentford's Aaron Hickey, Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson and Everton's Nathan Patterson all remain out.

Clarke said: "We are very short on defenders. We seem to be in the middle of an horrendous run of injuries, to defenders especially.

"So, there's a chance for both Nicky and Liam.

"Both are experienced, dependable defenders, who have had good club careers without getting international recognition that hopefully they can get in the upcoming games."

Elsewhere, the likes of Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston, who was in the last squad, and Rangers' Connor Barron, who was a late call-up, miss out of the senior group and are likely to join up with the U21s.

Clarke on injuries: 'It's a testing time'

Scotland boss Steve Clarke:

"It's a testing time. It's a testing time for me and a testing time for the squad.

"The injuries are there for everyone to see and you can talk about them all day, but for me, it's better to talk about the players that are going to play, who are going to have a chance to play and for some of them have the chance to kick-start an international career.

"Let's focus on them and hopefully the injured boys will be back and available as soon as possible.

When asked if this has been the most testing squad selection of his career, he added: "Probably.

"Obviously for the last camp and the Poland and Portugal games I utilised the U21 squad a little bit.

"This time, the U21s have some key matches coming up and the the idea was I would leave as many of the U21s to go and play in that team as I could.

"That's the case as I sit here now but we've still got matches to go before we get the actual squad together so hopefully I don't have to dip down into the U21s too deep and the young boys ca go and do themselves proud in their two matches."

Who else is in the squad?

Alongside Gordon and No 1 Angus Gunn, uncapped Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken retains his place in the group after a late call-up last month.

Ryan Gauld of Vancouver Whitecaps, Middlesbrough's Ben Doak and Lewis Morgan of New York Red Bulls all keep their places too after substitute appearances in the defeats against Poland and Portugal.

Striker Che Adams - who has scored four goals in his last six games at Torino - returns to the 23-man squad after missing the last camp due to a knock - alongside Birmingham City's Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland, who scored his first goal of the season in Hearts' draw against Ross County.

Can Scotland end that long wait for a win?

Clarke will hope the upcoming games against Croatia and Portugal will see Scotland end the longest winless run in the nation's history.

The team have lost five and drawn three of their last eight competitive fixtures. Including friendlies, that run stands at just one win - against Gibraltar - in 14 matches.

On paper those late defeats to Poland and Portugal would suggest there is little reason to be optimistic. However, when you look at the more positive approach on the pitch, a new 4-2-3-1 formation and fresh faces getting their opportunity to make a mark - there is yet reason to believe for the Tartan Army.

Scotland squad in full

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Norwich), Jon McCracken (Dundee)

Defenders: Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Liam Lindsay (Preston North End), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Middlesbrough), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (West Ham), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)

Forwards: Ché Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

What is next for Scotland?

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