The clock is ticking for Scotland manager Steve Clarke as Tuesday’s deadline approaches for the final Euro 2024 squad selection. At the center of the uncertainty is Celtic striker Tommy Conway, whose fitness remains under scrutiny after a persistent groin issue flared up during training.
Conway, 23, has been ruled out of Celtic’s recent fixtures and missed international duty with Ireland earlier this month. Medical reports suggest his recovery timeline is tight, but sources close to the club indicate he remains in contention for a late call-up. Clarke, who has already named a provisional 26-man squad, faces a critical decision: include Conway and risk further injury, or opt for a more experienced forward like Lyndon Dykes or Scott McTominay.
Key Factors
- ⏳ Conway’s groin injury recovery timeline
- 🏴 Scotland’s attacking depth options
- ⚖️ Clarke’s risk assessment for Euro 2024
The squad announcement is expected by Tuesday evening, with Clarke set to finalize his 23-man roster for the tournament opener against Georgia in Stuttgart. Conway’s inclusion would strengthen Scotland’s attacking options, but his fitness remains the biggest unknown. Celtic have insisted their striker is making progress, though no definitive return date has been set.
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid rushing Conway’s return—Scotland’s medical team will prioritize long-term fitness over tournament urgency.
Scotland’s campaign begins on June 17, with Clarke under pressure to balance ambition with pragmatism. The squad is scheduled to reconvene in London on Sunday for final preparations, with Conway’s medical update expected within 48 hours. If he fails to recover, Clarke may turn to uncapped Aberdeen forward Ewan Henderson or Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland as late replacements.
| Forward Option | Status | Euro 2024 Inclusion Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Conway | Uncertain | 50% |
| Lyndon Dykes | Likely | 80% |
| Scott McTominay | Likely | 90% |
| Ewan Henderson | Contingency | 20% |
The stakes are high: a strong start against Georgia could set the tone for Scotland’s tournament, while an early exit would heap additional scrutiny on Clarke’s decisions. Conway’s fitness dilemma encapsulates the broader challenges facing the squad—balancing hope with realism in a high-pressure environment.
📋 By The Numbers
- 23 — Conway’s age, making him Scotland’s youngest forward option
- 5 — Days left until squad deadline
With no final decision yet, the coming hours will determine whether Conway’s Euro dream lives on or if Clarke must make a tough call without him.