A new dynamic has been added to the rest of the 25/26 season if you’re a Scotland-eligible player - as a race to the World Cup begins.
Steve Clarke’s side secured passage to the tournament in America, Canada and Mexico with a magical 4-2 win over Denmark midweek. Hearts’ Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland played their part in victory while Hibs’ Grant Hanley proved a reliable rock at the back as a first World Cup berth since 1998 was clinched.
Now attentions turn to who jet out with the team next year. Head coach Clarke will likely retain the core group of experienced stars who got Scotland there but wildcards in certain positions can’t be totally written off. Here are 13 candidates who could come into thinking.
1. Luis Binks (Brondby)
Formerly of Coventry City and now with Brondby, is hoping to earn a Scotland call-up. Made no secret of that and playing regularly at a good level in Denmark. Also a defender where there could be jerseys up for grabs. | Getty Images
2. Elliot Watt (Motherwell)
Capped by Scotland U21s, the midfielder has been arguably Motherwell's best signing, and pivotal to their passing brand of football. Hardest area of pitch to break into but passing ability has been amongst the top flight's best. | SNS Group
3. Mikael Mandron (St Mirren)
Turned into an all action striker with eye for goal at St Mirren. Sorely lacking another striker in mould of Dykes and Mandron would bring a chaos factor. He is eligible to play for Scotland through his Aberdeen-born grandmother and was called up to the Scotland U20s team in the past. | SNS Group
4. Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)
Perhaps where it starts getting controversial in terms of English players eligible for Scotland. Has switched between the two nations at youth level, eligible in navy blues via his Edinburgh-born mother. Attention on him being a future England prospect so now could be chance to lure a quality midfielder for the future north with a World Cup carrot. Photo: Steve Welsh