Aaron Hickey has been handed his maiden call-up to Scotland’s senior squad for two friendlies in March 2022.
Hickey has impressed in Serie A for Bologna this season with four goals in 26 appearances and will replace Liam Cooper in defence, due to the latter being out injured for Leeds United with a hamstring injury.
Greg Taylor has meanwhile been recalled in defence as manager Steve Clarke opted to drop Taylor’s Celtic teammate – David Turnbull from midfield.
Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie has been promoted from midfield into attack with Kevin Nisbet now ruled out due to a serious knee injury, which will also keep him out of international fixtures in June and September.
Ryan Fraser meanwhile has been snubbed after angering Clarke by failing to report for international duty in November, although he isn’t entirely ruled out of future call-ups.
Clarke has also opted to tweak his goalkeeping selection as Craig Gordon retains his spot but Zander Clark and Jon McLaughlin are dropped, with Liam Kelly and David Marshall both recalled to the national team.
Scotland were meant to host Ukraine in their World Cup Qualifying Play-Off semi-final on Thursday 24 March, although Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month has now led to the postponement of the fixture.
Clarke’s Tartan Army therefore will host Poland at Hampden Park, Glasgow on the above date in a friendly to fundraise money for UNICEF’s efforts to help provide support for the victims of Ukraine.
Scotland will then play the loser of Wales’ World Cup Qualifying Play-Off semi-final against Austria on Tuesday 29 March, albeit away from home.
Here is Scotland’s 24-man squad in full.
Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Motherwell), David Marshall (QPR)
Defence: Grant Hanley (Norwich), Jack Hendry (Oostende) Aaron Hickey (Bologna), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Stephen O’Donnell (Motherwell), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal), Greg Taylor (Celtic)
Midfield: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United),
Forward: Che Adams (Southampton), Jacob Brown (Stoke City), Lyndon Dykes (QPR)
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