Steve Clarke has this afternoon named his 26-man squad for Euro 2020 with debut call-ups handed to Billy Gilmour, Nathan Patterson and David Turnbull.
Chelsea midfielder Gilmour, 19, Rangers’ Patterson, 19 and Celtic star Turnbull, 21, had all made their mark for the under-21 set-up but now will have the chance to prove they can thrive on the biggest stage.
Calls for the young trio had been growing throughout the year – with Gilmour and Turnbull in particular highly tipped to replace the injured Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack in the centre of midfield.
Patterson will provide strong competition with seasoned-pro Stephen O’Donnell who has started seven of the last ten internationals in the right-back position.
Elsewhere, Clarke took a gamble on Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser, despite club boss Steve Bruce warning the injury hit wide-man may not be fully fit and should not be risked.
Winger James Forrest also made the cut despite his sixth month absence from the Celtic side – although team mate Leigh Griffiths leads the high profile omissions.
There were also mixed fortunes for the Aberdeen representatives, Pittodrie-bound Declan Gallagher returns to the set-up after missing the March internationals with injury, whilst his new defensive partner Andy Considine might feel hard done by to miss out.
Ryan Gauld is another who may feel a tad unfortunate – after his incredible year in the Portuguese top flight seemingly failed to impress his Scotland boss. Lawrence Shankland suffered the same fate, however Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet keeps his place.
The tartan army though will be relieved to see the names of Scott McTominay and Ché Adams on the list – both players had hobbled off with injury issues during their respective club fixtures at the weekend.
Scotland begin preparations for our first major tournament since France ’98 with a training camp in Spain next Thursday.
Clarke’s side will then face two warm-up clashes with the Netherlands and Luxembourg at the start of June – before the big kick-off against the Czech Republic at Hampden on the 14th.
Featured Image Credit – Scottish Sun and STV
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