Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld selected for Scotland’s Nations League double-header

The squad announcement is Scotland’s first since their disappointing Euro 2024 group-stage exit in Germany.

Apart from the recently-retired Callum McGregor and free agent trio Liam Cooper, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Jack, the majority of players who competed at the tournament earlier this summer have retained their places.

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Gauld is aiming to make his Scotland debut 10 years after his first call-up, while Liverpool forward Doak is named in the squad after withdrawing from the provisional team for the Euros.

Scotland’s squad

Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn (Norwich), Zander Clark (Hearts), Robby McCrorie (Kilmarnock).

Defenders: Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), John Souttar (Rangers), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Greg Taylor (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Brighton), Kenny McLean (Norwich), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Scott McTominay (Manchester United).

Forwards: Ben Doak (Liverpool), James Forrest (Celtic), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (QPR), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough).

Head coach Steve Clarke has named uncapped Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston in the squad, while Rangers defender John Souttar has been recalled after missing the final cut for the Euros.

Forward Lyndon Dykes is also included after he was ruled out of the Euros with an ankle injury sustained two weeks before the opening game of the tournament.

The likes of Tommy Conway, Lewis Morgan and James Forrest have all retained their places after being selected in the Euro 2024 squad.

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has not been included despite reports indicating he would be, while uncapped Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has been selected in place of Liam Kelly, who has not been playing since moving to Rangers earlier this summer.

Scotland face Poland at Hampden Park on September 5 before travelling to Lisbon to take on Portugal three days later.

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.