Gaps to fill as Scotland prepare to name squad

Was Steve Clarke's presence at St Mirren's weekend match against Celtic significant?

From Scotland's expanded 26-man Euro 2024 squad, one key player has retired, three are currently without a club and two who missed the tournament in Germany through injury remain sidelined.

Two others will also miss next month's Nations League double-header against Poland and Portugal with their latest fitness woes.

Meanwhile, four more were substitutes for their clubs at the weekend, three were left unused on the bench and one sat it out with a minor niggle.

Welcome back to international football after your summer break, Steve Clarke.

The squad Scotland's head coach will announce on Tuesday could be his least predictable since he took charge five years ago.

Who's gunning to be back-up?

With Angus Gunn now established as number one, and starting for Norwich City, the big question is - who will be his understudies?

Clarke has often voiced his preference to pick those starting for their clubs.

Craig Gordon currently has the Heart of Midlothian gloves despite Zander Clark's return from injury and, similarly, Robby McCrorie was on the bench for Kilmarnock at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Liam Kelly has replaced McCrorie as back-up to Jack Butland following his return to Ibrox from Motherwell.

Is a recall for Gordon, left distraught by his late omission from the Euros squad, on the cards at the grand old age of 41? Or will it be viewed as unnecessary to take someone with 75 caps along just for the journey?

Right-back to the drawing board?

Anthony Ralston could be Scotland's only recognised right-back

Of Scotland's Euro 2024 defenders, only centre-half Scott McKenna, now of Las Palmas, and two left-backs - Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Celtic's Greg Taylor - started for their clubs at the weekend.

With Everton's Nathan Patterson and Brentford's Aaron Hickey still to feature this season following injury and Ross McCrorie having missed Bristol City's start to the campaign, it is just as well fellow right-back Anthony Ralston at least came off the bench for Celtic.

Similarly, Ryan Porteous came on for the final 15 minutes with Watford, but Grant Hanley was an unused substitute for Norwich, while Jack Hendry missed Al Ettifaq's Saudi league opener, although it appears only with a minor knock.

Meanwhile, Liam Cooper only now is near to finding a new club - a return to hometown outfit Hull City - after leaving Leeds United, while Kieran Tierney continues his journey back from his latest injury problem knowing he has no future with Arsenal.

John Souttar missed out on the Euro finals, but with so many absentees, it seems likely the experienced Rangers centre-back will be back in the frame.

Wide open in midfield?

At least John McGinn and Ryan Christie both played three-quarters of weekend Premier League games for Aston Villa and Bournemouth, while Kenny McLean is now captaining Norwich.

Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay have impressed enough to attract reported interest from Napoli despite being in and out of the starting line-ups at Brighton and Manchester United.

However, there will be at least three spaces up for grabs in midfield following a summer of turmoil in what is regarded as Scotland's main area of strength.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has called time on his international career, while Ryan Jack and Stuart Armstrong are still without a club following exits from Rangers and Southampton, respectively.

Could those fans who have long called for Ryan Gauld's acclaimed performances for Vancouver Whitecaps to be recognised finally get their wish even though the 28-year-old would be competing with McGinn and Christie for the coveted number 10 role?

Those who suggest that any Scottish player signing for the Old Firm immediately receives a call-up might also have their theory reinforced after Connor Barron cemented a starting place with Rangers following the 21-year-old's move from Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, with veteran James Forrest continuing his fine form with Celtic and former club-mate Lewis Morgan starting regularly with New York, might Clark consider the introduction of wingers to his formation after being left kicking their heels in Germany?

Little need for forward planning?

It is a mixed bag for Scotland's normally limited options up front.

Che Adams has hit the ground running after his switch from Southampton, scoring in his first start as Torino beat Atalanta 2-1.

Likewise, following his own move from Bristol City, late Euros call-up Tommy Conway's stoppage-time penalty secured Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw with Portsmouth after the 22-year-old came on for the final 20 minutes.

However, while Lyndon Dykes came on as a substitute to rescue a point for Queens Park Rangers against Sheffield United, he was then dropped this weekend amid talk that he is leaving the Championship club.

Lawrence Shankland built on his experience in Germany by looking a class apart in Hearts' pre-season friendlies but has failed to score in five competitive outings since.

Kevin Nisbet says a Scotland recall is behind his escape from Millwall but will no doubt need more than one substitute appearance on loan to Aberdeen to revive his fortunes.

Meanwhile, Oli McBurnie has impressed as a starter for Las Palmas after leaving Sheffield United, setting up their late weekend consolation away to Leganes in La Liga.

However, it would be a surprise if the forgotten man of the past three years does not remain so as Clarke again chooses between his tried and trusted.