Scotland kick off their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign in style with a packed Hampden ready to roar on Steve Clarke's side.
The Tartan Army will be there in their numbers as Clarke, who penned a new contract as national boss until 2026, looks to begin the hunt for another major tournament at the finals in Germany next year. Tougher ties are to come for the Scots with Spain lurking on Tuesday at the national stadium before a potential showdown with world class forward Erling Haaland and Norway in June.
But new faces are part of the Scotland camp with Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn called up in the absence of usual number one stopper Craig Gordon. Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam also joins the squad for the first time. Clarke has been reflecting ahead of this one.
READ MORE: Scotland vs Cyprus on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for Euro 2024 qualifier
He said: “I am proud that my coaching team and I will continue to lead the team through the next two qualifying campaigns, as well as Nations League Group A, but being able to do so is a testament to the squad of players who have been central to our improvement.
“The immediate focus is ensuring a positive start to our Euros campaign against Cyprus, who were the opposition for my first match in charge in 2019.
“When we named our squad for the double-header, I spoke with my coaches about how the quality and depth of the squad has evolved in those four years. We now have an experienced core who have been constants throughout, but we have also added quality and competition in every area of the team.
“We also played that game in front of around 30,000 fans and will walk out on Saturday, and Tuesday against Spain, to a full house at Hampden Park. It’s imperative that we keep the fans and the nations engaged and entertained and that is something we are all committed to achieving through winning games and qualifying for more major tournaments, starting with Germany next year.”
Scotland starting XI: Gunn, Robertson, Hanley, Tierney, Hickey, Porteous, McGinn, McGregor, Jack, Armstrong, Adams
Subs: Kelly, Clark, Patterson, McTominay, Dykes, Christie, Hyam, Gilmour, Cooper, Ferguson, Brown, McLean
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