Summary

  • Scotland boss Clarke speaks at news conference after naming 26-man World Cup squad

  • Striker Stewart & teenage winger Curtis included

  • Hearts goalkeeper Gordon, 43, also makes cut but Udinese midfielder Miller misses out

  • Clarke's side in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti

  • Scotland at first men's World Cup since 1998

  • Tournament takes place in United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July

Have your say

Live Reporting

Nick McPheat and George O'Neill

  1. 'I feel we've got the right balance'

    Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "When you're naming a squad for an event as big as the World Cup, it takes a toll.

    "You've got to think a lot about it, make sure you get the balance right. I feel we've done that. Everybody knows the way I work.

    "I don't think there was any point in building experience over the squad, we've done that, this is the group of players who understand how to qualify for major tournaments.

    "Hopefully the experience of the boys who have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we'll do something no Scottish team has done before."

  2. Steve's in his seat.

    Bash the play button above while we rapidly type out the gaffer's quotes.

  3. You should have an option for 'watch live' at the top of this feed now.

    All you'll get is a placeholder graphic and some creepy hold music, but the hope is the presser will start shortly.

  4. Robertson and McGinnSNS

    [David Brent voice]: Pat, you've charmed me.

    We're taking the gold thing home.

  5. 'Key Scotland players fresh'

    Pat Nevin
    Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast

    The main thing is keeping everyone fit.

    Interestingly, we’ve had injuries to key players this season - like McGinn - but that might actually help. He’s come back fresh and looks in top form.

    That’s something Scotland haven’t always had. In past tournaments, like in Germany, players turned up tired.

    Now we’ve got players like McGinn, Gilmour, even Robertson who hasn’t played every week - they might have more energy.

    That’s crucial, because in the past we've had players completely drained going into tournaments.

  6. Alan, I'm not an avid watcher of 'The Barclays', so you're educating me here, mate.

    A very good point that I will now be using in group chat debates.

  7. Get Involved

    Join the debate at the top of this page

    Re: 'three right-backs'. Maybe Clarke wants the option to play Hickey further forward (perhaps v Haiti), as he has done recently for Brentford?

    Alan

  8. Watch Clarke face media

    Steve ClarkeSNS

    The hope is Steve Clarke will appear to face the media at 12:00 BST.

    So, in about 10 minutes.

    We're also hoping to stream the head coach's presser right here and on the iPlayer, providing we don't have any technical difficulties.

    Don't go anywhere.

  9. Findlay CurtisSNS

    Findlay Curtis was born on the opening day of the 2006 World Cup. Ha.

    His first World Cup memories are probably from 2014. James Rodriguez et al.

    I'm now turning off my laptop and putting it in the bin.

    Joking. We've got a Steve Clarke presser to come.

  10. Hearts' Lawrence Shankland will still recovering from a crushing title-deciding defeat at Celtic on Saturday.

    A start against Haiti and a couple of World Cup goals would certainly cheer him up.

    The striker scored 20 times in all competitions for the Jambos this term.

    Despite his free-scoring form in maroon, he's never truly been fancied by Steve Clarke.

  11. The people have spoken.

    Your votes below suggest Lawrence Shankland is fancied by the Tartan Army to start against Haiti.

    If it's a front pairing, you'd want Shankland and Ross Stewart.

    Hmm, something tells me that's unlikely.

  12. 'McBurnie deserved spot'

    Join the debate at the top of this page

    Oli McBurnieGetty Images

    McBurnie has 17 league goals and seven assists this season. Ross Stewart has nine, George Hirst 11, Che Adams five and Lyndon Dykes three. How can McBurnie still be overlooked when the numbers clearly back him? Make it make sense, Steve.

    John

    McBurnie deserved a spot! Harsh to miss out to less prolific strikers.

    Alex

  13. Ross Stewart

  14. George Hirst

  15. Lyndon Dykes

  16. Che Adams

  17. Lawrence Shankland

  18. Who should start up top against Haiti?

    Lawrence ShanklandSNS

    Plenty of debate on our YouTube reaction show regarding team selection for what feels like a must-win game in Scotland's group opener against Haiti.

    The guys have been discussing who should be first pick at centre-forward, but I want to know what you lot think.

    I'll post the five names and all you have to do is hit the thumbs...

  19. Andy Halliday
    Former Rangers, Hearts & Motherwell midfielder on BBC Scottish Football YouTube

    We have incredible players that can produce incredible moments.

    We've got individual quality.

    It's just that first game. A win is of vital importance.

  20. 'Curtis has come from nowhere'

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland chief sports writer on BBC Scottish Football YouTube

    Findlay Curtis has fronted up for a team struggling to stay in the Premiership.

    Fair play to him. He's come from nowhere to be going to a World Cup.