Aaron Hickey is back in the Scotland squad for the first time in nearly two years as World Cup qualifying kicks off with away matches against Denmark and Belarus next month. The 23-year-old Brentford full-back has made two Premier League substitute appearances recently, returning to action after being sidelined since October 2023. His last international appearance, one of 14 caps, also came in that month.
Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak, and Lyndon Dykes have returned following injury layoffs. Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark is likely to start in goal, with Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly as secondary options. Blackburn Rovers defender Dominic Hyam, capped once in June 2023, is recalled, while 19-year-old Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller keeps his place after featuring in summer friendlies.
Squad Details and World Cup Qualifying
Kieron Bowie, the 22-year-old Hibernian striker, earns another call-up after debuting from the bench against Liechtenstein in June. Four of the eight midfielders selected play in Serie A. Scotland face Denmark in Copenhagen on 5 September, followed by Belarus in Hungary three days later, with Greece completing Group C. Only group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with Scotland seeking its first appearance since 1998.
Several regulars, including Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, Greg Taylor, Tommy Conway, Josh Doig, James Wilson, Nathan Patterson, and Ryan Porteous, are absent from the squad.
