Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will name a 26-player World Cup squad. Supporters expect loyalty and limited change, but several selection decisions remain tight. Ross Stewart’s strong 2026 form after a hamstring injury has kept his World Cup case prominent, with five goals in his last 10 and a recent impact in Southampton’s promotion play-off semi-final. Oli McBurnie’s productive season for Hull City and his confidence in his international prospects add pressure. Tommy Conway’s injury after limping off in tears may reduce his chances, and Findlay Curtis could benefit from that potential opening. Clarke must balance current performance, recent availability, and the timing of injuries.
"The name Ross Stewart is just not going away, and for good reason. The Southampton forward has enjoyed a superb 2026 since missing a huge chunk of the first-half of the season with a hamstring injury. With five goals in his last 10 - including in the Saints' much-talked about Championship promotion play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough - the 29-year-old is in fine form. The two-cap striker - who last played for Scotland in 2022 - has the play-off final to look forward to where he will come up against a fellow World Cup wannabe in Oli McBurnie."
"Much like Stewart, the Hull City frontman has had a fruitful campaign, with 18 goals in 41 appearances for The Tigers. He also backs his own ability. The 29-year-old revealed last month he phoned Clarke asking for the reasons behind his absence from the international set-up. The in-form pair have dominated recent discourse among The Tartan Army and their respective cases have strengthened with an untimely injury for Boro forward Tommy Conway."
"The 22-year-old limped off in tears, 73 minutes into last Tuesday's defeat to Stewart's Saints and though his club have not released details of his injury, there is wide belief he will miss out. Someone else who could benefit from Conway's apparent misfortune is Findlay Curtis. Named in the last squad for friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast - making his debut off the bench in the fo"
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