Liverpool winger Ben Doak has been handed a first call-up to Scotland squad as Steve Clarke named a provisional 28-man selection for Euro 2024.
Doak is one of two uncapped players in the squad, with Bristol City right back Ross McCrorie also earning a call-up.
The 18-year-old winger has been included despite not playing a match since December.
Doak was forced to undergo knee surgery after tearing his lateral meniscus in a match for Liverpool’s under-21 side, ending a promising start to the season having made four appearances for the first team.
Clarke, speaking at a press conference, said the increase in squad sizes from 23 to 26 had led to Doak’s inclusion.
Liverpool youngster Ben Doak has been included in Scotland’s provisional Euro 2024 squad
Steve Clarke has named a 28-man squad but will have to cut two players for the tournament
Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie is one of two uncapped players in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad
‘Ben has a lot of talent, he catches your eye, the pace is something we haven’t got in abundance,’ Clarke said.
‘It’s a little bit different, he’s young and has a lot to learn in the game. It just seemed like the right opportunity with the squad going from 23 to 26.’
Celtic winger James Forrest has been recalled to the squad nearly three years since his last international appearance.
Clarke will be forced to cut two players from his provisional squad for the tournament.
One of the players likely to be cut will be a goalkeeper, with Clarke naming four in the provisional squad.
Veteran Craig Gordon, 41, has been included alongside Hearts team-mate Zander Clark, Norwich’s Angus Gunn and Motherwell’s Liam Kelly.
Captain Andy Robertson will be expected to play a key role in Scotland’s defence in Germany, where they will face the hosts, Hungary and Switzerland in the group stage.
James Forrest has been included nearly three years since his last international appearance
Scotland face problems at right wing back with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Celtic’s Anthony Ralston is expected to be the leading contender for the position despite having recently been used as a substitute at club level.
McCrorie, who has featured in the last two squads, will be expected to provide competition.
‘I lost my two first-choice right backs/right wing-backs,’ Clarke said when discussing McCrorie’s inclusion.
‘So looking down Ross had a really difficult time when he first went to Bristol City when he had a serious problem. He got back in the team in the second half of the season, acquitted himself well and got some minutes under his belt.’
The Scotland boss was also asked about Tino Livramento’s potential availability, but Clarke stated that the Newcastle right back is continuing to pursue selection for England.
‘Tino’s an England international, Under-21, he qualifies for England and Portugal,’ Clarke said.
‘At the moment he’s chosen for England so that’s the way it is.
Clarke has been forced to gamble on the fitness of several players for the squad.
Norwich centre-back Grant Hanley, who has played only eight minutes since March 6, is among the defenders named.
Clarke revealed right back Tino Livramento is continuing to pursue playing for England
Liam Cooper has largely been used as a substitute by Leeds, while Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has been included despite being sidelined by injury since early March.
The inclusion of Forrest comes after an impressive run of form for Celtic at the end of the season, with the winger helping Brendan Rodgers side clinch the Scottish Premiership title.
Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson is among those to have missed out on the squad due to injury.
Clarke will have to cut Scotland’s squad to 26 by June 7.
Scotland will warm up for the Euros with friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland on June 3 and 7.
