English Premier League goalkeeper handed shock Scotland call-up

STEVE CLARKE has named his Scotland squad for this month’s crunch final Nations League clashes.

And there’s a surprise new name in the manager’s group!

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The Scots will face Croatia and Poland in a double-header with plenty riding on it.

Scotland head into the two games bottom of Group A1 and facing relegation back to League B.

Clarke‘s men are also on that horror run of just one win in 16 matches.

But a major turnaround and two wins from two here could yet secure a top two spot – and a coveted pot one berth for the upcoming World Cup qualifying draw.

And the headline news is that Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker has been handed his first senior call-up.

The 21-year old has been a regular for the under-21s, having won 17 caps since making his debut in 2021.

Born in Oldham, Slicker qualifies for Scotland through his father.

He’s a product of the Manchester City youth academy, spending 13 years in the system there before joining Ipswich in July 2023.

Slicker has yet to make a senior league appearance but has been on the bench for the Tractor Boys in the Premier League this season.

His only senior appearances have come in Carabao Cup matches, two for Ipswich last season and two the campaign before while on loan at Rochdale from Man City.

Slicker joins Craig Gordon and Robby McCrorie as the keepers in the squad, with Jon McCracken dropping out having lost his No1 status at Dundee.

Angus Gunn remains out injured having not featured for Norwich for a month.

Elsewhere, Clarke welcomes back a host of big names to the squad.

Talisman John McGinn is back, while Jack Hendry, Greg Taylor, Scott McKenna, Lawrence Shankland and Tommy Conway all return to the squad.

Shankland and Lyndon Dykes both retain their places in the squad despite failing to hit top form so far this season.

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron was a late call-up last time following the withdraw of Celtic‘s James Forrest.

Cieran Slicker’s career

Early Career

• Manchester City: Started his youth career at Manchester City.
• Professional Debut: Made his professional debut for Manchester City’s Under-21 team in an EFL Trophy match against Lincoln City on 17 November 2020.

First-Team Experience

• UEFA Champions League: Named as a substitute for Manchester City’s first team in a 6–3 win over RB Leipzig on 15 November 2021.
• League and Cup Involvement: Served as a substitute on five occasions during the 2021–22 season under manager Pep Guardiola.

Loan Spell at Rochdale

• Loan Move: Joined EFL League Two side Rochdale on loan for the 2022–23 season.
• Rochdale Debut: Debuted on 9 August 2022 in a 2–0 EFL Cup victory over Burton Albion.
• Recall to Manchester City: Recalled to Manchester City on 11 January 2023 after making three appearances for Rochdale.

Transfer to Ipswich Town

• Signing: Transferred to Ipswich Town in July 2023 for an undisclosed fee.
• Contract: Signed a three-year contract with Ipswich Town.

International Career

• Youth International: Represented Scotland at youth levels, having been capped at U17, U18, and U21 levels.

Barron retains his place in the squad this time while Forrest isn’t selected by Clarke.

Jack MacKenzie, Andy Irving and Liam Lindsay were all part of the last squad but don’t feature this time, as of yet.

Scotland take on Croatia on Friday 15 November at Hampden before travelling to face Poland on Monday 18 November.

Scotland squad in full

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Robby McCrorie (Kilmarnock), Cieran Slicker (Ipswich).

Defenders: Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic).

Midfielders: Connor Barron (Rangers), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Middlesbrough), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls).

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts).

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