Football
Steve Clarke Names Scotland Squad Ahead Of October’s UEFA Nations League Fixtures As Veteran Goalkeeper Returns
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished3 hours ago on October 01, 2024
The Scotland squad announcement ahead of October’s UEFA Nations League fixtures has seen boss Steve Clarke recall goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
At 41-years-old, Gordon is welcomed back into the Tartan Army set up. His last appearance came in a 2-2 draw against Finland in June.
Gordon shipped two goals against the Fins despite coming on in the 69th minute for Angus Gunn. Subsequently, he missed out in a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
The Hearts shot stopper is now back in the international scene in what could well be his last appearances. To date, Gordon has 75 caps to his name.
Clarke’s side will travel to Croatia on October 12 before entertaining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal at Hampden Park three days later.
🏴 Congratulations to Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland on their Scotland call ups! 👏 pic.twitter.com/0DcRpoziz8
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) October 1, 2024
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Scotland Squad Announcement Sees Craig Gordon Return As Well As Three New Call-Ups
The Scotland squad announcement saw boss Steve Clarke give first-time call-ups to three players. Defenders Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen) and Liam Lindsay (Preston) will be hoping to win their first caps.
So will midfielder Alan Irving (West Ham). However, Clarke will be without Premier League star John McGinn who is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Scott McKenna and forward Tommy Conway have also missed out as they recover from setbacks. Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston wasn’t included in the squad. He will likely join Rangers’ Connor Barron in the U21s.
However, the biggest news from the Scotland squad announcement is the inclusion of Craig Gordon. After the draw with Finland, the Hearts goalkeeper it wasn’t his last Tartan Army appearance.
“Craig told me that it wasn’t a farewell and he’d see me in the future. He’s lived up to his promise,” said Clarke on the veteran stoppers return.
Scotland Nations League Squad For Croatia And Portugal Fixtures In October
Goalkeepers:
- Craig Gordon (Hearts)
- Angus Gunn (Norwich)
- Jon McCracken (Dundee)
Defenders:
- Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen)
- Grant Hanley (Norwich)
- Liam Lindsay (Preston)
- Ryan Porteous (Watford)
- Anthony Ralston (Celtic)
- Andy 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)
- Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)