Seven Hearts stars who may benefit from giant Scotland squad update as new rules could spark World Cup hope

Steve Clarke’s initial Scotland squad selection for World Cup 2026 looks set to balloon in size and that might give renewed hope for some Hearts stars seeking action in America, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Ahead of the nation’s return to the world’s biggest footballing stage since 1998, the head coach must name a massive 55-man provisional squad before it is whittled down to the 26 who will head across the Atlantic, as per new FIFA rules. Countries will only be able to call up replacements from the original provisional squad in the event of injuries, a departure from previous rules, when managers were handed an opportunity to call upon any eligible player as an emergency replacement.

Clarke will not take 55 with him to the World Cup and his 26 will be unlikely to stray too far from the March squad in which Scotland lost friendlies 1-0 to Japan and Ivory Coast. That said, even earning a place amongst the 55 looks set to increase chances of participation, due to new rulings. So who are the Hearts stars who could benefit from this? We take a look at the candidates.

Craig Gordon

Gordon has been the number two at Hearts this season but has shown he’s still more than capable when needed, see his jaw-dropping last-minute save in a 1-0 win over Dundee earlier this term for details. Has also acted as Scotland’s main man between the sticks with Angus Gunn injured at times this term and after the heartbreak of missing Euro 2024, you’d need a heart of stone to leave him off the 55. Scotland don’t have loads of goalkeeping options, so even without many minutes and now 43, Gordon would be a decent shout for the 26. Missed the March camp with injury and he will hope that clears up ASAP.

Zander Clark

After dropping down the Hearts pecking order, Clark headed for England and Doncaster Rovers for regular minutes. He’s not played much for Scotland but has been selected with regularity by head coach Clarke when playing and fit, with nine games under his belt for loan side Doncaster. A spot on the bench was had in the last two outings but if he plays and hits form between now and May, with the already mentioned limited options, the Jambos-contracted player gives himself an increased chance.

Craig Halkett

A player some were surprised not to see in the March camp, given his form at Hearts this season. Halkett has been a rock in central defence for boss Derek McInnes and he could be the leader of a Premiership-winning defence come the end of the season. He’s had injury issues through time in Gorgie but those are firmly behind Halkett now, who is entering the peak of his career, right on cue for World Cup involvement. The defender is playing regularly, which can’t be said for every centre-back Clarke has to use, and been part of one of the league’s best backlines. As for the 55-man list, surely gets a place there, and then what happens next remains to be seen.

Harry Milne

It’d be fairytale stuff if Milne managed to get on the plane to America this summer. It wasn’t too long ago he was working part-time in a bar while playing for Cove Rangers in the lower reaches of the SPFL, moving up to Partick Thistle and then to Hearts in 2025. He has been a marauding force at left-back under McInnes while he’s also able to play right-midfield, central midfield, left-midfield and centre-back if needs must. Could be handy to have someone with so many positions in the ranks. His natural position is a crowded market though which doesn’t help Milne, with Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney the go-to choices for a number of years. That has hindered Josh Doig’s involvement despite impressing in Serie A and Greg Taylor failed to make too many inroads in this area while winning trophies aplenty at Celtic.

Marc Leonard

Hearts needed midfield help in January and McInnes has spoken highly of the Birmingham City loanee’s impact. The Jambos have benefitted from Leonard’s calming presence and technical ability amid a slate of injuries, as he looks set to keep his place in the team, despite returns for other key stars. His future beyond the summer at Birmingham City is unclear but has been one of the best midfielder’s in Scotland since arriving in Gorgie and certainly puts himself in the World Cup frame. He’s not the combative type like John McGinn but can dictate play effectively, probably more in the mould of what Billy Gilmour does for the team. Lennon Miller and Kenny McLean are the other two choices that were part of March’s camp that are similar in style to Leonard.

Lawrence Shankland

He’s drifted in and out of Scotland squads under Clarke but has been back this season with more regularity as goals flow in maroon. Injury prevented him from March involvement but one who will have designs on the whole squad after playing in the Euros previously. More players even in a provisional sense heavily ups his chances. Captain Robertson has already discussed how important returns to the squad for players like Shankland will be so the forward is clearly well-respected within the national team changing room.

James Wilson

Wilson broke into the senior squad in the second half of last season but was with the U21s in March after a loan move to Tottenham from Hearts in the winter window. Not playing senior football could have an impact on his chances of going to the World Cup but with 55 players needing picked out, and with Scotland lacking cutting edge in recent friendlies, could the young attacker’s previous experience with the national team put him in the mix?