Steve Clarke will finalize his World Cup squad on Tuesday, with just 26 players set to carry Scotland’s hopes in the USA. The announcement caps months of speculation over who will claim the final berths among a tightly contested group of candidates.
The shrewd 58-year-old has built a reputation for loyalty, but this year’s selection promises late drama. Ross Stewart, the Southampton striker, has re-emerged as a key contender after a resurgence in form. The 29-year-old, sidelined for much of the season with a hamstring injury, has delivered five goals in his last 10 appearances, including a pivotal strike in the Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.
Key Questions for Clarke
- ✅ Can Stewart’s late surge secure his first major tournament?
- ⚡ Will Curtis’ rising star force a surprise inclusion?
- 💡 Does Gordon’s experience outweigh his fitness doubts?
Stewart’s competition is fierce. Hull City’s Oli McBurnie, another Championship sharpshooter with 18 goals in 41 appearances, has publicly pressed Clarke for an explanation after being omitted from recent squads. McBurnie’s persistence may yet pay off if Clarke opts for a more established forward pairing.
| Player | Current Form | Tournament Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Stewart | 5 goals in last 10 | None |
| Oli McBurnie | 18 goals in 41 | None |
| Findlay Curtis | 4 goals in last 5 | None |
The emergence of Findlay Curtis has added another layer to the debate. The 19-year-old Kilmarnock winger has scored four goals in five post-split matches, thrilling fans with his pace and directness. Former Hibernian midfielder Marvin Bartley has urged Clarke to include him, arguing Scotland lack players who can change games with such dynamism.
💡 Pro Tip
Clarke often favors versatility. Curtis’ ability to play multiple attacking roles could tip the scales in his favor, especially if he’s seen as a wildcard option.
Goalkeeping remains a wildcard. Craig Gordon, 43, has defied expectations before, and his return to Hearts training suggests he’s pushing for a record fourth World Cup appearance. His experience and shot-stopping ability could outweigh the fitness risk, particularly if Scott Bain’s ankle injury forces a rethink.
📋 By The Numbers
- 43 years, 5 months — Craig Gordon’s age if selected; he would be the second-oldest World Cup player ever
- 5 — Goals Ross Stewart has scored in his last 10 appearances
The defense is also in flux. Grant Hanley, a long-time Scotland stalwart, exited Hibs’ match against Motherwell on Saturday with a knee strain, casting doubt over his fitness. Dominic Hyam, who finally made his first start for Scotland last month, could benefit from Hanley’s potential absence. Meanwhile, Kieron Bowie, the 23-year-old Serie A scorer for Hellas Verona, has quietly become a dark-horse option after his stoppage-time equalizer against Inter Milan.
- 📊 Curtis’ rise reflects Scotland’s need for fresh attacking talent amid an injury crisis
- 🔍 Hanley’s fitness could force Clarke to revisit defensive selections
- ⚠️ McBurnie’s public campaign adds pressure on Clarke to justify exclusions
Clarke’s final squad will balance experience, form, and potential. For the players on the bubble, the next 48 hours will define their careers. For the fans, Tuesday’s announcement will mark the start of a long-awaited return to the global stage.
- Ross Stewart — Southampton striker in red-hot form, battling McBurnie for the final forward spot
- Findlay Curtis — Teenage winger with four goals in five games, a wildcard with upside
- Craig Gordon — Veteran goalkeeper, a gamble on experience and leadership
- Grant Hanley — Defensive lynchpin, now fighting fitness woes ahead of deadline
