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Mark Pirie

Nathan Patterson and six more Scotland fringe stars handed fresh Euro 2020 hope after UEFA squad expansion call

Steve Clarke has some big decisions to make ahead of Euro 2020.

Players going in and out of form, along with injuries picked up in the run up, could give the Scotland boss some major headaches ahead of the opener against the Czech Republic.

Clarke will have to name his squad for the Finals at the start of June, with Scotland's opening game against the Czech Republic on June 14 at Hampden.

However, his some of the major calls will be made a little bit easier with UEFA set to expand the squad size to 26 men from 23.

The three-man increase will allow squads to deal with the impact of Covid, and opens the door for some players on the fringe of the national side.

But who could be taking to the pitch at Hampden on June 14? Record Sport takes a look.

Nathan Patterson

Nathan Patterson in action for Rangers during a Scottish Cup tie between Rangers and Celtic (SNS Group)

Right-back has been a problem position for the national side with Clarke currently rotating between Stephen O'Donnell and Liam Palmer. Teenager Patterson has emerged as a key performer for Rangers in recent months and has made a strong case for selection. However, the 19-year-old is currently serving a four match ban which mean he won't feature again this season.

David Turnbull

David Turnbull has been a top performer for Celtic since signing from Motherwell (Getty Images)

Turnbull has been one of the few highlights for Celtic fans this season during a nightmare campaign. Having regularly featured for the under-21 side the midfielder will be hoping to graduate into Clarke's plans this summer. The centre of the park is one of our strongest areas, but the absence of Ryan Jack and the three extra spots could have boosted Turnbull's chances.

Ryan Gauld

(Pedro Fiúza/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Gauld's moments of magic in Portugal regularly do the rounds on social media alongside calls for him to be in the frame for the national side. The 25-year-old has impressed so far this season with eight goals for Farense despite the newly-promoted side;s struggles in the Portugese top flight.

Leigh Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths (PA)

Griffiths has been there and done that for the national team, but has struggled to break into the Celtic side this term during the torrid campaign. The striker has a history of popping up at crucial moments for both club and country though, so the extra three spots could see Griffiths included as a wildcard pick.

Billy Gilmour

Billy Gilmour of Chelsea (Getty)

The Chelsea midfielder is playing at the very highest level under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel but is yet to receive his first international cap. However, the 19-year-old has been used sparingly at Stamford Bridge with most of his appearances this season coming in the FA Cup. An undoubted talent who could add an x-factor to the squad.

James Forrest

Celtic's James Forrest celebrates after scoring (SNS Group)

Another player who has been a key member of the Scotland squad, but ahead of the first major finals in decades has been blighted by injury woes. Having made a scoring return to the Celtic side, the winger has picked up another knock and missed clashes with Rangers and Aberdeen. It would be a gamble for Clarke but with the extra spots he can take more risks.

Shaun Rooney

Shaun Rooney of St Johnstone (SNS)

Speaking of risks, the St Johnstone right-back is a real dark horse to be drafted into the squad after some top performances in the role this term. He is on course to have two cup winners medals by the end of the season and could offer something different on the right-side of the back four.

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