Scotland Squad Reveal: The Tough Decisions Facing Steve Clarke

Three weeks after taking charge for a record 72nd time, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is set to name what could be a history-making squad on Monday.

With a World Cup play-off place already secured, Scotland travel to Greece on 15 November, before hosting Group C leaders Denmark three days later — with a shot at automatic qualification to the World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years.

The challenge is steep: Denmark’s superior goal difference and a likely win over bottom side Belarus mean Clarke’s men may need at least a draw in Piraeus to set up a winner-takes-all clash at Hampden Park.

Before that, though, the Scotland boss faces several key selection dilemmas.

Who Replaces Angus Gunn?

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn is almost certain to miss out after Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche confirmed he had “opened up his knee ligaments.” Already under pressure due to a lack of game time since his move from Norwich, Gunn’s injury leaves Clarke with limited options.

Veteran Craig Gordon — capped 81 times — is the obvious candidate, but the 42-year-old has lost his No.1 spot at Hearts to Alexander Schwolow. Liam Kelly, another recent squad member, is also a backup at Rangers.

Recent call-ups Cieran Slicker (Barnet), Jon McCracken (Dundee), and Robby McCrorie (Esbjerg) have seen more club action, but none have significant international experience.

Is It Shankland’s Time Again?

Up front, the picture is brighter. Che Adams scored in the 2–1 win over Belarus and again for Torino on Sunday, while George Hirst added a double for Ipswich Town in their 4–1 victory at QPR. Lyndon Dykes remains a reliable squad option after his late winner against Greece last month.

However, Kieron Bowie’s dip in form at Hibernian and Tommy Conway’s nine-game drought could open the door for an in-form Lawrence Shankland, whose strike in Hearts’ 4–0 win over Dundee took him top of the Premiership scoring charts.

There’s also buzz around Mikael Mandron, whose brace in St Mirren’s 4–1 semi-final win over Motherwell has sparked talk of a first senior call-up.

Right-Back Troubles Persist

Once a position of strength, Scotland’s full-back depth has taken a hit. Max Johnston (Derby County) is out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury, while Nathan Patterson faces surgery for a hernia.

Aaron Hickey’s return to light training offers some relief, though Brentford opted not to rush him back at the weekend. On the left, Kieran Tierney is still struggling for fitness at Celtic, but Andy Robertson’s full return for Liverpool is a major boost.

Could Luis Binks Be the Wild Card?

Clarke rarely experiments with his squad, but there could be room for a surprise. Luis Binks, currently at Brøndby, recently expressed interest in switching allegiance back to Scotland after representing England at youth level.

With most of Scotland’s centre-backs enjoying regular club football, a call-up may still be unlikely, but Binks remains one to watch.

Midfield remains well-stocked, though Billy Gilmour’s early withdrawal from Napoli’s goalless draw with Como will have Clarke monitoring his fitness closely.

The Verdict

Clarke’s selection on Monday will be about more than just form — it could shape Scotland’s most important international month in nearly three decades. With goalkeeping uncertainty, injury headaches, and attacking competition heating up, every choice will count as the Indomitable Scots chase a place at the 2026 World Cup.