National team face friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast in March

Two Scotland friendlies in March will be akin to competitive matches for players with aspirations of making this summer’s World Cup squad. Japan visit Hampden Park three days before the national team face Ivory Coast in Liverpool. Coach Steve Clarke and his assistants - Steven Naismith, Alan Irvine and Chris Woods - face some pivotal decisions thereafter.

FIFA allow 26-man squads for what will be the biggest ever World Cup finals. In total, 48 countries will be taking to pitches across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Clarke is already assessing potential candidates for Scotland and was a notable figure in the Tynecastle Park directors’ box as Hearts faced Celtic on Sunday.

First, there are those guaranteed to be on the plane. Provided they are fit come June, mainstays like Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Andy Robertson, Aaron Hickey, Ryan Christie, Ché Adams and Lyndon Dykes are guaranteed to be in the squad. Of those based closer to home, there are a number of candidates either currently or previously connected to Hearts and Hibs.

It is reasonable to assume that Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon and striker Lawrence Shankland will be in Scotland’s final squad, alongside the Hibs defender Grant Hanley. A number of others from Tynecastle and Easter Road could force themselves into contention, including some who previously played in Edinburgh:

ZANDER CLARK

Hearts’ third-choice goalkeeper joined English League One side Doncaster Rovers on loan earlier this month. The move is designed to give him regular game time and enhance his World Cup prospects. The 33-year-old has made three appearances so far for Rovers, helping them to two wins and a draw. If he continues playing, he would likely be Scotland’s third keeper this summer behind Angus Gunn and Gordon. He has four caps to his name so far.

CRAIG HALKETT

An outside bet but one who, on this season’s form, certainly looks capable of stepping up to international level. Halkett has been a linchpin of a Hearts defence which is underpinning their Scottish Premiership title challenge. He has never played for Scotland but was called up to the squad in March 2022. He might receive another call this March for a chance to show what he can offer.

KEVIN NISBET

Another outsider given the striker has scored only four goals in 27 appearances since joining Aberdeen from Millwall last August. He did score twice against Livingston at the weekend and will force himself into Clarke’s thoughts for the World Cup if he continues to find the net. Has 11 Scotland caps and one goal to his name, with his last call-up coming in March 2025.

JOSH MULLIGAN

The midfielder has arguably been Hibs’ best player this season. His current absence with an ankle injury was sorely felt in Saturday’s defeat at Falkirk. Clarke brought Mulligan into the Scotland squad for the first time last October after some players withdrew. He has yet to win a senior cap but has clearly made an impression on national coaches with his form at club level.

KIERON BOWIE

The 23-year-old Hibs striker is the subject of a £4m-plus transfer bid from Serie A club Hellas Verona. He could leave Easter Road before Monday night’s transfer deadline. Bowie has scored nine goals in 30 games for Hibs this season and was in the Scotland squad last autumn. An ideal deputy for Lyndon Dykes due to his size and ability to link play. Can play as a No.9 or as a second striker. Clarke may decide that Dykes and Shankland, plus Adams and possibly George Hirst, are the four forwards he prefers for the World Cup, but don’t rule Bowie out. Middlesbrough’s Tommy Conway appears to be further down the pecking order just now.

ANDY IRVING

Left West Ham United to join Czech club Sparta Prague just last week in an effort to get more game time. The prospect of a World Cup place was one of many factors in his decision six months ahead of the tournament. The former Hearts midfielder possesses all the technical ability to cope at international level having played in Scotland, Germany, Austria and England. Likely to be vying with Rangers’ Connor Barron for one of the last midfield places in Clarke’s squad. Has won one cap so far.

JOSH DOIG

The Sassuolo defender also has one cap in his locker to date. He has plenty competition for his favoured left-back position and might miss out for that reason. Robertson and Kieran Tierney are certs for this summer, but Doig is highly rated in Italy and is also admired by Clarke and the Scotland coaching staff. Should there be any doubts over Tierney’s fitness, Doig would be the obvious deputy.