Steve Clarke makes huge calls on Ryan Gauld and Connor Barron in new-look squad

SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke has made a raft of changes as he named his first squad since the national team’s demoralising Euro 2024 exit.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has retired from the group which featured at the European Championships in Germany, while a number are sidelined through injury or are currently without a club.

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SunSport exclusively told you Vancouver Whitecaps standout Ryan Gauld was in contention for the squad – and the 28-year-old playmaker DOES earn the call up.

New Rangers hero Connor Barron isn’t so lucky though, with the midfielder having to bide his time.

In comes Liverpool buzzbomb Ben Doak, even though he hasn’t featured in any of Liverpool’s two league matches so far this season – and is widely expected to earn a loan move away from Anfield.

In total EIGHT of the 26 who made the grade for Euro 2024 AREN’T included in this group.

But there’s plenty of opportunity for others as Clarke names his team for next month’s Nations League double-header against Poland and Portugal.

Two of the three goalkeepers, Zander Clark and Robby McCrorie, have both had early season injuries with their club sides.

Rangers defender John Souttar comes back in after he dropped out of contention for a Euro 2024 spot late on – while there’s a surprise spot at right back for Sturm Graz’s Max Johnston.

Midfield remains an area of strength, with the likes of Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay both named despite transfer intrigue.

Lewis Morgan and Tommy Conway both keep their place – with Lyndon Dykes back in the squad after a last gasp injury cost him the chance to feature in Germany.

Dykes is also on the move this summer – along with occasional strike partner Che Adams.

Adams has already been on target in Serie A after swapping Southampton for Torino, with Dykes set to move from Birmingham from QPR.

On Gauld’s return, Clarke said: “He was in my thoughts before the tournament. He’s obviously chosen a different path in his career.

“He’s left Scotland as a very young man, gone out on a roundabout injury, ended up in Vancouver where he has been one of the best players.

“One of the most valuable players, it will be nice to get a look at him, up close and personal.”

Clarke also hailed the fact that Souttar is back playing. “I’m certainly not surprised because I know John as a character. He’s a strong personality who came back from really significant injuries.

“It’s great to see him back playing as well as he’s playing at Rangers. He deserves his place in the squad.

“Everybody is disappointed that we didn’t achieve what we wanted to in the tournament [Euro 2024]. But it’s so important in football that you learn to move on.

Scotland Squad in FULL

Goalkeepers
Zander Clark (Heart of Midlothian)
Angus Gunn (Norwich City)
Robby McCrorie (Kilmarnock)

Defenders
Grant Hanley (Norwich City)
Max Johnston (SK Sturm Graz)
Scott McKenna (UD Las Palmas)
Ryan Porteous (Watford)
Anthony Ralston (Celtic)
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
John Souttar (Rangers)
Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders
Ryan Christie (AFC Bournemouth)
Ben Doak (Liverpool)
James Forrest (Celtic)
Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Billy Gilmour (Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Kenny McLean (Norwich City)
Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)

Forwards
Ché Adams (Torino)
Tommy Conway (Middlesborough)
Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers)
Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)

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