Heart of Midlothian captain Lawrence Shankland has been recalled to the Scotland national team for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark later this month.The 30-year-old forward last featured for his country in the Nations League win over Poland a year ago. He returns to Steve Clarke’s squad alongside goalkeeper Scott Bain and defenders Ross McCrorie and Josh Doig.To make space for Shankland’s return, Kieron Bowie of Hibernian has been left out. Shankland joins a strong attacking group that includes Che Adams of Torino, Birmingham City’s Lyndon Dykes, and Ipswich Town’s George Hirst.Shankland has been in outstanding form this season, striking up a potent partnership with new signing Claudio Braga at Hearts. His goal in the 4–0 win over Dundee last weekend lifted him to the top of the Scottish Premiership scoring charts.Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie, who earned his only Scotland cap in a friendly against Gibraltar, also returns to strengthen the right-back options. His recall comes as Aaron Hickey continues his recovery from an injury sustained during the last international window.
Shankland Recalled as Scotland Name Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Derby County’s Max Johnston is sidelined for up to eight weeks with a hamstring problem, while Everton’s Nathan Patterson is set to undergo hernia surgery.Sassuolo defender Josh Doig is one of six Serie A players included in the 25-man squad. Although he missed the October fixtures, he was part of the September lineup and will compete with captain Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney for the left-back position.First-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn is unavailable due to injury, paving the way for Falkirk’s Scott Bain to return. The 33-year-old, who last played for Scotland in 2019 against San Marino, joins veteran Craig Gordon and Rangers’ Liam Kelly in the goalkeeping group. Gordon, now 42, may step in for Gunn despite losing his starting spot at Hearts to new signing Alexander Schwolow.
The midfield remains unchanged from the previous international break, with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay both included despite Gilmour being substituted early in Napoli’s weekend draw with Como. Other midfielders named are John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Kenny McLean, Lennon Miller, and Ben Gannon-Doak.Scotland are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1998. Clarke’s side currently sit second in Group C with three wins and one draw, having already guaranteed a play-off place in March.The team travels to Piraeus to face Greece on 15 November before hosting group leaders Denmark at Hampden Park three days later. With Denmark enjoying a superior goal difference and set to play bottom side Belarus, Scotland will likely need at least a draw in Greece to set up a decisive clash at Hampden.
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be crucial in determining whether Scotland can finally end their long absence from football’s biggest stage.
source:BBC
