Clarke’s Scotland World Cup squad prioritises loyalty over headline-grabbing talent
Steve Clarke has named the first Scottish World Cup squad in nearly 30 years, selecting players based on familiarity and character rather than recent goal-scoring records.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has announced his World Cup squad, a selection defined by continuity rather than disruption. In the first such announcement in nearly 30 years, Clarke prioritised loyalty and established relationships, recalling Ross Stewart while excluding high-profile strikers Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie. The squad aims to become the first Scottish team to progress from the group stage in a major championship.
Clarke’s approach to the announcement was deliberately devoid of theatricality. Despite the Scottish FA’s attempts to generate drama, the head coach rejected fanfare, stating that the magnitude of the event was no different from any other squad selection. He has reportedly had the squad composition "more or less set in his head" for several weeks, reflecting a management style that values normality and an unchanging vibe over external expectations.
The inclusion of Ross Stewart marks a return for the Southampton striker, who has only two caps and has been largely overlooked in the Clarke era due to injury issues. His selection follows a period of stellar form at club level. Clarke has cited Stewart’s resilience and work-rate as key factors, noting that the manager remembers him well as both a player and a personality.
Conversely, Oli McBurnie has been omitted despite a strong season with Hull City, where he has scored 18 goals in 41 games. This figure significantly outperforms Lyndon Dykes, who has scored six goals in 51 appearances. Clarke’s decision appears rooted in personal preference rather than pure footballing merit, with Dykes and George Hirst retained due to familiarity and trust in their work-rate and experience.
Other notable selections include 19-year-old Findlay Curtis, who earned his spot following a productive loan spell at Kilmarnock, and Liam Kelly, who serves as the third goalkeeper. Clarke values Kelly’s upbeat character, noting that his positive influence within the camp is as valuable as his on-pitch contributions.
The squad faces a significant challenge regarding width and pace. Ben Gannon-Doak is identified as the team’s only genuine speedster, yet he carries a heavy burden having suffered limited playing time in recent months. After an injury against Denmark in November, Gannon-Doak has seen only fleeting action for Bournemouth, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament opener against Haiti.
Kieron Bowie and Lennon Miller also miss out, a decision that defies recent performances. Bowie scored against top Serie A sides including Inter Milan and Juventus for Hellas Verona, while Miller was included in the previous squad for friendlies but did not feature. Clarke’s resistance to calling up players like James Forrest or Calvin Miller underscores his commitment to a settled, familiar group.
