In a surprising move, Steve Clarke has called up 19-year-old Kilmarnock winger Findlay Curtis to the Scotland squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Japan and Ivory Coast. Curtis, who joined Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January, has impressed with 32 appearances in the first half of the campaign at Ibrox.
Key Points
- β Findlay Curtis, 19, earns first senior Scotland call-up
- β‘ Curtis joins squad for friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast
- π‘ Scotland prepares for World Cup finals in June
With Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak recovering from injury and a lack of depth in wide attacking areas, Curtis has been given a golden opportunity to shine. The friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for Clarke as he finalizes his squad for the World Cup.
| Match | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland vs. Japan | Thursday, 28 March | Hampden Park |
| Scotland vs. Ivory Coast | Tuesday, 31 March | Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton |
Other notable inclusions are Wrexham centre-back Dominic Hyam and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway, who have been recalled to join an otherwise settled squad. Everton right-back Nathan Patterson, who missed the World Cup qualifying campaign due to injury, is also included.
Napoli's Billy Gilmour returns after missing the last camp through injury, while his club team-mate Scott McTominay and Aston Villa's John McGinn are both in as expected after recently returning to action.
π‘ Pro Tip
For young talents like Curtis, making the most of this opportunity could mean a spot in the World Cup squad.
The full squad includes goalkeepers Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, and Liam Kelly; defenders Grant Hanley, Dominic Hyam, Jack Hendry, Ross McCrorie, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, and Kieran Tierney; midfielders Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Andy Irving, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, and Lennon Miller; and forwards Che Adams, Tommy Conway, Findlay Curtis, Lyndon Dykes, and George Hirst.
- First β Curtis' inclusion highlights Scotland's need for depth in wide attacking areas
- Second β Friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup
- Third β Clarke is finalizing his squad for the upcoming tournament
The friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast will provide Clarke with valuable insights as he prepares his team for the challenges ahead in the World Cup.
- π Curtis' impressive performances at Kilmarnock earned him a call-up
- π Scotland lacks depth in wide attacking areas, paving the way for Curtis
- β οΈ Injury concerns and lack of depth could impact Clarke's final squad selection
As the squad gears up for the friendlies, all eyes will be on the young talents like Curtis to see if they can make a lasting impression and secure their place in the World Cup squad.
π By The Numbers
- 32 β Number of appearances Curtis made in the first half of the campaign at Ibrox
- 2 β Number of friendly matches Scotland will play in March
