Scotland Men's Football Team

Image source, SNS

We asked you for your thoughts on George Hirst's first Scotland call-up after the striker was a late addition to Steve Clarke's squad for the Nations League play-off with Greece.

Here's what some of you said:

Adrian: George is a great footballer with a lot of talent. He will be a good addition for Scotland. Pleased for the boy, he's very popular at Ipswich.

Jim: Not overly impressed by Hirst's record. I remember his father as a very good striker but was very injury prone. As Aaron Paul says, the apple does not fall far from the tree. I fear we are bringing a player on board who is injury prone and who cannot get a regular place in a team doomed to be relegated. I rest my case.

John: When I saw that Hirst was added to the Scotland squad I was amazed. He must have improved a thousand fold since he spent a year at Rotherham United in the Championship! He tried, he ran about, but didn't know where the goals were and looked very ordinary. Good luck to him if he has improved so much, but he is nowhere near as good as his father was.

Jim: About as strong a squad as we can muster presently and it's right we have a good look at Hirst. The lack of Scots playing for the Old Firm means we have to cast a wider net for new faces and Hirst is a strong contender. At 6ft 3in, given the right service, he will give us a few more options up front and at 23, he is yet to reach his peak.

Anon: Should be nowhere near the squad. Wouldn't be in least bit interested in playing for Scotland if good enough for England. Also goalscoring record hardly impressive. Sooner we scrap the grandparent rule the better.

Thomas: Oh boy. Very excited to have yet another striker who is anything but a prolific goalscorer. Just what we need. I cannot wait for our midfield to score all the goals as per usual.

Motherwell midfielder Miller and fellow 18-year-old James Wilson, the Hearts forward, are not merely in the Scotland squad to make up the numbers, says assistant coach John Carver. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Carver put celebrating Newcastle United's Carabao Cup final win on hold to focus on his Scotland duties. (Record), external

But Carver admits he would have liked to have remained in Poland as his Lechia Gdansk players are threatening a strike. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Assistant manager John Carver says "confident" Lennon Miller "needs a little bit of guidance" after the Motherwell teenager suggested he could become Scotland's best player in the near future.

The 18-year-old, who is enjoying another impressive season at Fir Park, received his first call-up to Steve Clarke's squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header against Greece.

Following the news of his inclusion in the senior set-up, Miller said: "I'm obviously not going to go in and be the best player there, but I believe I could maybe in a couple of months be the best player there."

While assistant coach Carver believes the comments "might have been taken out of context", he says the teenage midfielder has "got to learn" from his remarks.

"I've made the same mistake a few years ago and I was a lot older than him," Carver said. "But he's a confident lad and there's nothing wrong with being confident and believing in your own ability.

"He's had a good season and he's a good player - a very, very good player - and we all make mistakes, but he's got to learn from it. The headline might have been taken out of context for sure."

Miller said he had been expecting to be named in the Scotland Under-21 squad again, but he is "confident" he is capable of starting against Greece if called upon.

"He's a young player learning and needs a little bit of guidance," Carver, who also spoke of fellow first-time call-up Hirst, added.

"I made a similar mistake when I was a lot older, so I'll talk to him and give him my experiences, but hopefully he's learned from it because I did."

Image source, SNS

Assistant head coach John Carver addressed the media as Scotland met up for the first time this week to begin preparations for their Nations League play-off matches against Greece.

Here are they key things he said:

• Carver said "different dimension" George Hirst was "delighted" to come and join Scotland. Added it's "refreshing" to see some fresh faces.

• On Lennon Miller's comments about his potential of being the best in the squad, he said; "There's nothing wrong with being confident in your ability but we all make mistakes, and hopefully he'll learn from it after a chat".

• He added the headline "might have been taken out of context for sure".

• Carver is looking forward to an "electric atmosphere" against a "difficult and in-form Greece".

• Scotland's determination to remain in League A is high as they "need to play against the best to be the best".

• Newcastle-born Carver, who has a long association with his boyhood club said he's "the only Geordie that didn't celebrate properly" after Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a trophy.

• He added he's "disappointed" for Andy Robertson, who was on the opposite end of the result with Liverpool, but said: "What's really good for Andy is he won't have to wait 70 years for the next trophy! They're only a few months away from picking up the Premier League and I'm sure they'll do that. Andy will have his day in May to celebrate, I'm sure."

Scotland are free to call up Ipswich Town forward George Hirst after he was initially left out of the squad for the two games with Greece. (Herald - subscription required), external

Midfielder Scott McTominay came off with a knock towards the end of Napoli's weekend win over Fiorentina, fuelling fears he may be a doubt for Scotland's Nations League play-off with Greece. (Record), external

Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, who will return to Celtic this summer, was on the end of a heavy challenge by Ivan Perisic in Arsenal's aggregate win-completing draw with PSV Eindhoven. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Dundee manager Tony Docherty urges forward Simon Murray to push for a Scotland call-up. (Courier - subscription required), external

Fan favourite Scotland midfielder John McGinn admits Paris St-Germain are a "frightening" prospect after his Aston Villa progressed to meet the French side in the Champions League quarter-finals. (Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson believes the timing of his ACL injury has given him more motivation to reach the 2026 World Cup.

The 25-year-old was certain to be part of Steve Clarke's side for last summer's European Championships, but suffered a season-ending knee injury a few months before.

"It's really difficult, it's half the challenge when you're recovering from such a bad injury, some days are more mental than physical," the former Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies midfielder said.

"It's a long rehab, it's a long process, you have to be mentally prepared to have good days and to have bad days, you've just go the end goal in sight and you need to focus on that and stay strong.

"It's really important to stay mentally strong to get you through the tough days.

"I had the injury just before the Euros which was sad and really disappointing, but it gives me a little more motivation to go and try to push to qualify for the World Cup."

Since returning in November, Ferguson has captained Bologna four times in the Champions League and led his side to a famous win over Borussia Dortmund.

He's now keen to add more starting caps for his country and, following the international retirement of Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, could be in line for a key role in Steve Clarke's side.

"I've always been confident of trying to get as much minutes as possible, nothing's changed," Ferguson explained.

"I feel good now and nothing's changed, I feel back to normal, and I'm playing well at the minute, so I'm looking forward to going in and catching the manager's eye for a starting place."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

There had been plenty of talk about the inclusion of Lennon Miller in Scotland squads before, but James Wilson's name took plenty by surprise.

The striker, who only turned 18 last week, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Hearts and his ascent to the national team - while he still sits his Highers at school - emphasises just how meteoric his rise has been.

Although Wilson made his debut just over a year ago in a Scottish Cup win over Spartans, eagle-eyed fans spotted him in pre-season back in 2023 when he made an impressive cameo against Leeds United.

However, it was really in the first Edinburgh derby of this season that he made his name.

In only Neil Critchley's third game in charge, Wilson was thrown on at Easter Road with Hearts trailing, in desperate search of a goal. Wilson found it, popping up in the right place at the right time to turn home a long throw.

He has gone on to make 24 appearances this campaign, scoring six goals - including a double at Ross County - and contributing two assists.

It could have been a hat-trick, too, in Dingwall as Hearts were awarded a penalty and Wilson stood patiently with the ball tucked under his arm. Sadly for him, the decision was overturned, a mistake the Scottish FA subsequently admitted.

Wilson has started 11 of Hearts' 12 past league games, becoming a vital cog in the turnaround of league form that has given Critchley's side a shot at the top six.

Only Lawrence Shankland and Blair Spittal have scored and created more, although they have also played almost 1,000 more than Wilson.

Perhaps his most impressive stat is his shot conversion. From 13 efforts, Wilson has scored five - the best conversion rate in the league. He picks and chooses when he's going to pull the trigger, and doesn't often miss.

The teenager was called up to the Scotland Under-19s in September last year, having been capped at previous age grades.

He remains eligible for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England but has said previously: "I was born in Scotland, I feel Scottish."

Now he has the chance to become the youngest Scotland player since Tom Wylie in 1890 - and the third youngest of all time.

If you're worried about nerves, just look at Hearts' Scottish Cup win over St Mirren a few weeks ago. The game had gone to penalties, and Wilson stepped up first for the visitors.

Made to wait by goalkeeper Zach Hemming's mind games, he juggled the ball between his hands before placing it on the spot, taking a few steps back, and rocketing it into the top right corner.

Cool, calm, and composed, Wilson has it all to make himself a Scotland regular for years to come.

We asked for your views on Steve Clarke's Scotland squad selection for the Nations League play-off with Greece.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Don't understand what Lawrence Shankland has done to annoy the coach. Even when not scoring, his link-up play and football intelligence is some of the best out there. Would be one of the first names in the squad for me.

Colin: There is still a lack of wide players in this squad, that makes us predictable, surely there must be someone we can find with pace? Ben Doak is a huge miss as he gives us something different. Without pace and a real scoring threat up front it will be down to the usual midfield to produce a goal. Greece are difficult to break down and have pace up top so I am concerned.

Ryan: Thin looking squad, exciting to see youngsters in to train with the main team, great experience for them. Wouldn't be surprised to see a five at the back with the lack of natural width further up the pitch, especially in the first game away from home. Be a good indication of the main games when qualifying to see what Greece are all about.

Scot: I am a Hearts fan but am surprised at James Wilson's inclusion. He has done well so far and has a maturity way beyond his years but is that enough to warrant selection? I know we have real quality players at left-back but James Penrice deserves selection. He is the ideal successor and replacement for Andy Robertson if he gets injured or suspended.

Hazel: I am pleased to see that Stevie and the coaching staff are beginning to think more strategically in 2025 and planning for the World Cup by introducing two to four new players. This will invariably create a blend of young talent with the senior squad and will hopefully provide a platform to allow them to grow in future games for Scotland.

William: Can't understand why Kenny McLean always gets called up, there's better midfield options who are younger and will bring a freshness to the midfield.

Iain: At last we have some more young players in the squad. Doak has shown if you're good enough then your old enough. Not sure they will get a game before old standby McLean or Che Adams but we need to start building for the next phase.

Tom: Good to see the younger lads getting a well deserved call-up. I think without Doak, we won't have much width when attacking though which could see us reverting to a back three again, not sure how to feel about that!

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says Ipswich striker George Hirst could still play a part in the Nations League play-off with Greece after a delay in formalising his call up stopped him from being named in the initial squad.

The 26-year-old has played 19 times for the Premier League side this season, mainly as a substitute, scoring three times.

"It's possible - there was a delay in the paperwork," Clarke said when asked about the England-born striker's involvement.

"There's still games to go before we meet up as a squad. There's always the chance of somebody else getting injured.

"Hopefully not, because I think we've suffered enough of that. George is somebody we've had in mind for a few months. I've watched him recently.

"He's in and out of the Ipswich team, played the cup games. He obviously scored against Forest. I think I was spotted on the telly at the game.

"It didn't take a genius to work out who I was there to watch, because he was the only one that qualified for Scotland who was on the pitch.

"He's a player that would help to give us more depth to that position if we can do it."

Image source, SNS

Steve Clarke has been speaking to the media after naming his Scotland squad to face Greece in the Nations League play-off.

Here are the key lines from the Scotland boss:

• Clarke says 18-year-olds James Wilson and Lennon Miller, who have both been called up for the first time, are "two for the future, but also can help us just now".

• He adds: "Obviously a lot of call-offs, a lot of injuries, especially in middle to forward areas, so I just felt it was a chance to have a look at two young boys who've caught the eye."

• Clarke confirms there was competition from Northern Ireland - whom Wilson qualifies for through his father - for the Hearts striker.

• The Scotland manager says Miller "plays with maturity beyond his years" and can fill different midfield roles while Wilson is "someone who catches your eye, he runs behind, he looks to score goals, which is a great trait. We're always looking for goalscorers, he's got a few this year".

• Clarke insists the pair's inclusion "shows as well that we're always looking at the younger ones", noting that Aaron Hickey "came from nowhere and became a big part of the squad".

• "A delay in the paperwork" prevented the inclusion of Ipswich striker George Hirst. Clarke adds: "George is somebody we've had in mind for a few months. I've watched him recently. He's a player that would help to give us more depth to that position if we can do it."

• On a "big year" for Scotland, Clarke says: "We all understand how much everybody in the country wants to go to a World Cup. So come the autumn, those games are massive. But before we get there, it's also big games. We want to stay at the [Nations League] top level, we want to be competitive against the top teams, and to do that we're going to have to beat a good Greece side over two games."

• On Greece, Clarke says they are a good team, solid defensively and dangerous on the counter, adding: "I think any team that goes to Wembley and beats England is always going to catch your eye, so we expect two tough games."

• On picking Kevin Nisbet over Lawrence Shankland, Clarke says: "I could have chosen both, but obviously Kevin scored a couple of goals recently. Sometimes when a striker starts scoring goals it becomes a habit, so hopefully with Kevin that's the case."

• With Angus Gunn out injured, Clarke admits the choice of goalkeepers to play understudy to Craig Gordon "wasn't great because most of them don't play" but adds of uncapped Cieran Slicker: "He's not playing at Ipswich, but he's a young one, so he's one that I'll keep in and around the squad. He's good around the group."

Who saw that one coming?

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has staged a major surprise by handing debut Scotland call-ups to 18-year-olds Lennon Miller and James Wilson for this month's play-off games with Greece.

Striker Wilson is yet to play for Scotland Under-21s but has netted six goals so far in his breakthrough season at Hearts, while Miller has captained Motherwell and made his 67th appearance in the recent win over Rangers at Ibrox.

There are recalls for fit-again Lewis Ferguson and Kieran Tierney as well as striker Kevin Nisbet, who has five goals in his past six Aberdeen outings, while uncapped pair Max Johnston of Sturm Graz and Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker also make the cut.

What do you make of Clarke's selection - happy with his show of faith in youth? Is there anyone omitted who should be in?

Let us know your thoughts, external

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Greece have called up 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas for the first time to their squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header against Scotland after the Genk midfielder turned his back on Belgium.

Genk-born Karetsas, who has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid and according to his father rejected an offer from Manchester City, had played for the land of his birth from under-15 level and made his debut for Belgium Under-21s in October.

Karetsas has been included in head coach Ivan Jovanovic's 26-man squad, but captain Tasos Bakasetas, the 31-year-old midfielder, is missing after sitting out Panathinaikos' latest four games.

Copenhagen centre-half Pantelis Chatzidiakos, Standard Liege midfielder Sotiris Alexandropoulos, Slavia Prague midfielder Christos Zafeiris, Asteris Tripoli winger Tasos Chatzigiovanis and Panathinaikos forward Fotis Ioannidis all return after missing out against Finland in November.

There is again no place for former Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, now playing for Cruz Azul in Mexico.

Greece squad to face Scotland

Goalkeepers: Odysseas Vlachodimos (Newcastle United), Konstantis Tzolakis (Olympiakos), Christos Mandas (Lazio).

Defenders: Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool), Pantelis Chatzidiakos (Copenhagen), Dinos Mavropanos (West Ham United), Dimitris Giannoulis (Augsburg), Lazaros Rota (AEK Athens), Panos Retsos (Olympiacos), Dinos Koulierakis (Wolfsburg), Giorgos Vagiannidis (Panathinaikos).

Midfielders: Petros Mantalos (AEK Athens), Dimitris Kourbelis (Al-Khaleej), Dimitris Pelkas (PAOK), Manolis Siopis (Panathinaikos), Giannis Konstantelias (PAOK), Sotiris Alexandropoulos (Standard Liege), Christos Zafeiris (Slavia Prague), Christos Mouzakitis (Olympiacos), Konstantinos Karetsas (Genk).

Forwards: Giorgos Masouras (Bochum), Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica), Christos Tzolis (Club Brugge), Tasos Douvikas (Como), Tasos Chatzigiovanis (Asteras Tripolis), Fotis Ioannidis (Panathinaikos).

Image source, SNS

The Scottish FA have not yet completed the necessary paperwork to call up Sheffield-born Ipswich Town forward George Hirst, the 26-year-old forward who represented England at age grade level. (Sun), external

Bologna's Lewis Ferguson and Everton's Nathan Patterson are expected to be recalled to the Scotland squad for this month's Nations League play-off matches with Greece. (Record), external

Hearts' Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 42, says "everything" will shape the decision on his future, including his international involvement and his physical condition. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Scottish striker Robbie Ure, 21, will be traveling to Sweden in order to complete a move from Anderlecht to IK Sirius. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip