Scotland squad: John McGinn, Tommy Conway return for Nations League matches as Steve Clarke makes five changes to squad

Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway have been named in Scotland’s squad for their final Nations League matches against Croatia and Poland.

Head coach Steve Clarke has made five changes from the group that ended their previous double-header with defenders Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna also returning.

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Cieran Slicker – who has yet to feature for the Premier League club this season – is a surprise inclusion as he earns his first senior call-up.

Clarke’s side – who have won just one of their last 16 matches – will take some confidence from their draw at home to Portugal last time out but do find themselves bottom of group A1 after three defeats from four.

Who else is in and out?

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 41, is set to add to his 77 Scotland caps – with No 1 Angus Gunn still injured. Joining him and Slicker is Kilmarnock’s Robby McCrorie who keeps his place in the squad, meaning there is no spot for Dundee’s Jon McCracken.

Hendry returns for the first time since Scotland’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, while McKenna has recovered from the injury that kept him out of matches against Croatia and Portugal. The duo’s return mean Preston North End’s Liam Lindsay and Aberdeen’s Jack MacKenzie miss out, however, Dons defender Nicky Devlin, 31, keeps his place after making his debut against Portugal last month.

Rangers’ Connor Barron was a late addition to Clarke’s last squad and keeps his place in the senior set-up in place of Celtic’s James Forrest, while McGinn’s return means West Ham midfielder Andy Irving drops out.

Tommy Conway returns after missing the last camp, and with Lawrence Shankland fit again, Aberdeen’s Kevin Nibset misses out following his return to the international fold last month.

Scotland squad in full

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

Defenders: Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Scott McKenna (UD Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andrew 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: Ché Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

What is next for Scotland?​​