Scotland Men's Football Team

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Kenny McLean is adamant that the younger players in the Scotland squad aren't just for the future, but are "the present".

McLean set up Findlay Curtis for the leveller in the 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden - the Rangers player first goal for his country.

Another 19-year-old, Manchester United's Tyler Fletcher, came on his his debut at half time. And Luke Graham of Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic's Andy Tod and Hearts goalkeeper Liam McFarlane have trained with the squad this week.

"People speak about the future, but a lot of these young lads are the present," McLean said.

"We've had a few in with us with this week and I've been so, so impressed. Honestly, we're in good hands going forward, I'm sure of that.

"These lads can definitely make a difference for us present, and they've got a really good future ahead of them in a Scotland shirt."

McLean admits he wasn't overly invested in the World Cup when he was growing up, because Scotland were not there. However, he is hoping the squad of 2026 will provide a generation with memories this summer.

"I'm sure the whole country is going to be invested over the next month or so - hopefully longer - and we can give them some memories going forward," he said.

"It's something for everybody to get excited about. Six months we've been waiting on it, so it's finally here and just desperate to get over there now."

Two goals from Lawrence Shankland ensured Scotland's big Hampden send-off before heading to the World Cup ended in victory over 10-man Curacao.

Read the match report here.

Have your say here.

Image source, SNS

Scotland double-goalscorer Lawrence Shankland: "We wanted to go to America on the back of a win and it was important we got that.

"The start of the game was quite difficult, they took the lead.

"We got fortunate with the red card but after that, we looked like the only team that was going to score.

"It's been a couple of weeks since I've played, so it was about getting back on the pitch. As a striker, you want to get on the scoresheet as well so I'm grateful I've done that.

"Every goal you score for your country, you're delighted. It's a special day, I had my kid as the mascot as well.

"It feels special. It's where you want to be. I've known all season this was coming up, so I did everything to get in the squad."

Image source, SNS

Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes: "A good performance, we wanted to end on a high.

"We started a bit ropey, but in the end it was a great result and a great performance.

"You've got to give credit to Curacao and their attacking players were decent on the ball, it was a game for us to get minutes in the legs.

"We ended it professionally and it was good to see a few boys get on the scoresheet and have good performances.

"The squad is always very together, when we come back, it's like we never left each other. When we've won games when people didn't expect us to, it's because we're so united.

"We all want to get out of the group and be history makers. It won't be easy, but we've got a great squad."

Image source, SNS

Scotland goalscorer Findlay Curtis: "I'm buzzing, it's everything I've dreamed of, I'm delighted to get that spot in the World Cup.

"It's a dream come true to score my first international goal.

"My mum and dad are in Tenerife, I booked for us all to go, and then I couldn't go, so they'll be over there watching with pride. Of course, I'm happier to be here - sorry, Mum!

"It was a massive decision to go down to Kilmarnock, and it's paid off really well, the experience of playing against older people was important.

"I just love playing football. I can't believe everything that's going on at the minute, I just need to soak it all in."

Image source, SNS

Scotland manager Steve Clarke: "I've got to be honest, I wasn't happy with the start.

"The game didn't reflect how well Curacao actually played, the scoreline ran away from them a little bit. At 11v11, we had a little bit of work to do.

"I think I would have rather had it as an 11v11 challenge, but a win is a win.

"We had to get a lot of players on the pitch just to give them a chance to play again, quite a lot of them haven't had many minutes through the second half of the season, and I think that showed towards the start of the game.

"We're not too sure how bad Billy Gilmour's injury is right now. He will be assessed overnight, fingers crossed that the wee man is fine.

"I said already, it will be a squad tournament, not just a starters tournament, so next week is about getting used to the climate and the heat, and then for 60/65 minutes there will be a strong side out against Bolivia.

"The players were angry with themselves for missing out on Qatar 2022 and in Germany [for the group displays at the Euros], so hopefully they can use that as fuel to make sure we give ourselves a really good chance of getting out of the group."

Image source, SNS

Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie says the new contract for head coach Steve Clarke was a "no-brainer".

Clarke has ended uncertainty over his future by signing an extension through to the 2030 World Cup.

The news has clearly come as a boost to the 26 players in Clarke's squad for this summer's World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Hampden friendly against Curacao, Christie said: "It's brilliant that he's managed to get it done before the tournament. Obviously, with the success he's brought us as a squad and as a nation, it's a bit of a no-brainer for me.

"We're all absolutely delighted that we've got him for a good chunk of time as well.

"Since he's come in, in terms of the professionalism, he's brought in all aspects, on the pitch, off the pitch, the hotels we're staying at, the food we're eating, all that kind of stuff, which has probably been helped with Andy (Robertson).

"He's been an incredible captain as well and obviously played at the top level, so he knows what elite football looks like.

"In terms of the squad, he's managed to maintain consistency. It's been massive in terms of just getting people experience of playing for their country and understanding what it takes to be successful and to play against big nations and get good results."

Christie has won all but five of his 66 Scotland caps under Clarke, who took over in May 2019.

The 31-year-old said: "He's just the main driving force. He's at the forefront of it in terms of everything.

"I think we probably lacked, before he came in, a little bit of an identity, whereas it's the polar opposite now.

"We're so drilled in what's expected of us from him. Everybody across the pitch knows exactly what their jobs are, what's expected of them.

"Because of the continuity that he's shown for the boys his whole time, it's easy to come in and just naturally fit into this style of football and what he wants us to do.

"Obviously, when you're winning games and being successful along the way, it certainly makes it a lot more enjoyable."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, PA

Head coach Steve Clarke has been speaking to the media before Scotland's World Cup warm-up friendly against Curacao at Hampden on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• It was important to sign his contract extension until 2030 before heading off this weekend for the World Cup: "It keeps the stability around the position of the squad and hopefully the future of Scottish football."

• Clarke says taking a club job this summer was "always a consideration" because "you never know what's going to happen". However, it ended up being "an easy decision" to extend his Scotland tenure.

• He adds: "Obviously, I know how much the players enjoy being together. I know how they enjoy working with myself and the staff. It just felt right to continue."

• The squad will change over the next few years, but there will not be rapid changes after the World Cup: "There is a natural evolution. I think sometimes people want revolution too quickly. I think we've shown that with the stability we've had over the last seven years, that it's a pretty good way to work."

• Clarke feels most of the Scotland fans appreciate what he and his players have achieved: "I think the Tartan Army are very thankful for this squad of players. They've taken us to three tournaments in such a short space of time after such a long time without a tournament. I think the fans get it. The fans understand."

• The team that faces Curacao will feature a lot of changes. Five players have yet to link up with the squad - they will do so late on Friday - and will not be involved at Hampden.

• Clarke adds: "That's not to say it's a training game, because obviously we want to win. We want to finish on a high here at Hampden before we leave the country. So no injuries, good performance."

Image source, SNS

Steve Clarke has been inducted into the Scottish football hall of fame as he prepares to lead Scotland in their first men's World Cup for 28 years.

The 62-year-old has also steered Scotland to successive European Championships since taking charge in 2019.

He previously had a successful spell as Kilmarnock boss, securing European football with a club record points total in his only full season in charge, and managed West Brom and Reading after coaching roles with clubs including Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool.

As a player, Clarke turned out for St Mirren and Chelsea - where he won the Uefa Cup, FA Cup and League Cup - and earned six Scotland caps.

"It's an honour to be inducted into the Scottish football hall of fame," Clarke said.

"Especially when I look at the past inductees, who have made such a positive contribution to the game.

"Individual accolades should always come second to achievements for the wider group, and I'm proud of what the players and staff – past and present – have been able to accomplish, in terms of taking Scotland back to major international tournaments after we spent too long on the sidelines.

"They have given this country all that they have, and you can see the wider impact of that across the nation.

"So this recognition is for them as much as me."

The Scottish football hall of fame is housed at Hampden and has 120 inductees including Sir Alex Ferguson, Jim Baxter, Sir Matt Busby, Rose Reilly, Jock Stein and Elsie Cook.

We asked for your views on Steve Clarke signing a new deal as Scotland head coach until 2030.

Here's what some of you said:

D: It was fairly evident that while it's not been pretty to watch at times Steve has done a remarkable job and there is no other real candidates to take over for now. Hopefully after the World Cup he will start to replace some of the ageing stars he has been loyal with and start playing more hungry, vibrant younger players in time for the next Euros campaign.

Lewis: With so many players on 50+ caps and around 30 years old, there will likely be a swathe of retirements in the next few years. It's better Clarke handles this rather than throwing in a newbie to start from scratch. In Clarkey we trust!

Gordon: He deserves it, not always his biggest fan but results matter and he's delivered. He's not blessed with depth and talent, so he's done a magnificent job with what he has at his disposal.

Ruaridh: Huge respect for everything Clarke and his group of players have done for our country - Denmark was probably my best moment watching football. But given our recent performances at tournaments, the timing seems a bit strange. This might look la rushed decision if we end up bottom of the group with one point again.

Bill: Absolute joke, why offer a new deal before the World Cup? They have made it easier to qualify than not. Surely any decisions should have been made after we all see how the team perform. The squad is old and Clarke won't try to change anything. Four more years is an absolute disaster waiting to happen.

Robert: In Stevie we trust. All the doom and gloom merchants are quick to criticise but who would be his replacement? There aren't any standout candidates unless Pep Guardiola wants a challenge when he can't buy elite players worth billions.

Gary: If Scotland don't get out of the group it will go down as one of the worst decisions ever made. We are in a results business and he has not delivered in any of the tournaments we have qualified for to date. A third failure would be unacceptable.

Scott: Should be his last tournament and will cost to replace him now. He has done nothing special, it has been made a lot easier to qualify for tournaments. He just continues to pick his mates for caps.

Image source, SNS

Former full-back Maurice Ross admits he was "terrified" of manager Dick Advocaat at Rangers.

Ross was handed his Rangers debut at age 19 by Advocaat in February 2000 and featured a further 12 times under the Dutchman before his move to a director of football role in December 2001.

Advocaat, 78, is now Curacao boss and set to be come the oldest coach in World Cup history at this summer's tournament.

Scotland face Advocaat's Curacao at Hampden on Saturday in a pre-World Cup friendly (13:00 BST) and Ross is urging Steve Clarke's side to be "careful".

"I'm looking at him now as a 45-year old man but when I was 20 and Advocaat came into the building, he was terrifying," Ross told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"For someone that isn't so tall, what a presence he has. He is an absolute winner.

"Curacao will not be going into this thinking they are going on a holiday. The standout line for me from his press conferences is 'make it as difficult as possible'.

"There will be a solid defensive structure, more so than when he was at Rangers. They will sit in and hit on the counter hoping to score from set-plays.

"He doesn't get beaten often at Hampden, my old gaffer, so we need to be careful.

"I would see him with Arthur Numan [former Rangers defender] and he'd be lovely and kind and gentle but with me, he didn't give me any time. I hadn't earned that level of relationship.

"Off the back of a result, nobody goes near him but the majority of elite leaders are like that.

"I have seen him once since he left and he couldn't have been nicer. A gentleman, a proper football man and somebody I'll be incredibly grateful to."

Image source, SNS

Why did Scotland boss Steve Clarke sign such a lengthy new contract?

The Times Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant, who broke the story, external 10 days ago that Clarke was close to extending his stay, says a four-year deal is "standard practice" for international managers.

Clarke's tenure will cover the next two World Cups and Euro 2028, and Grant suggested international management is the right fit for the 62-year-old.

"If there were offers would he, at 62, have the sheer appetite to go into, for example, the Championship in England, which is just a slog of games?" Grant told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think the pace of international management suits Steve. No-brainer was actually the phrase that chief executive Ian Maxwell used.

"Some fans are saying, well, why now? Why on the eve of the tournament? And also why four years? They [the SFA] say they've not really had time to get all the parties together until now to thrash out a contract.

"In terms of it being four years, Maxwell says that's quite standard practice in international football. He quoted Carlo Ancelotti at Brazil, Jesse Marsch at Canada, Michael O'Neill at Northern Ireland, who have all recently had four-year extensions.

"What they've done is removed any real issue or debate about the manager because it's going to be Clarke going forward.

"If the World Cup goes great, and we get through to the knockout rounds for the first time, or if it goes badly, there's going to be a storm of criticism but they're going to ride it out and Clarke will be the manager at the next Euros at least."

Image source, SNS

Dunfermline Athletic forward Andrew Tod is the latest young prospect to be drafted in to Scotland's World Cup training sessions.

Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson and goalkeeping team-mate Liam McFarlane, Dundee centre-half Luke Graham and Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher had already supplemented Steve Clarke's 26-man squad as they prepare for the finals in the Americas.

Now the national head coach has added Tod to the group at Lesser Hampden after the 20-year-old played in Saturday's Scottish Cup final defeat by Celtic.

Tod, who has played twice for Scotland Under-21s, scored 16 times in 45 appearances this season for Neil Lennon's side as they finished fourth in the Scottish Championship and also lost in the Premiership Play-off semi-final to Partick Thistle.

Image source, SNS

Scotland defender Grant Hanley admits there were times in his career where he thought competing at the World Cup was out of reach.

The 34-year-old, currently at Scottish Premiership side Hibs, has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

Having missed a month with a hamstring issue in February, the centre-back was forced off against Motherwell in Hibs' final game of the season but is fit and ready for the World Cup.

When asked if there were times he felt reaching a World Cup might not happen from him, Hanley admitted: "Definitely.

"I think that's part and parcel of life and certainly part of a career in football.

"There's loads of highs and probably more lows. There's been some tough and testing periods along the way, but having opportunities like this, that's what really makes it worth it."

Scotland will mark their departure for the United States with a final game at Hampden when they face Curacao in Saturday's friendly.

And while the excitement about reaching a first World Cup in nearly 30 years has been bubbling away, Hanley insists the focus is on doing more.

"I don't think it's a secret that we would like to have performed better and progress further in the last couple of tournaments we've been to," he added.

"Qualifying for them is one thing, but you want to give a good account of yourself and you want to be as successful as we can.

"This one's no different, so full focus on that."

Speaking before head coach Steve Clarke's new contract was announced, Hanley shared his admiration of the Scotland boss.

"I don't think he'd appreciate me commenting on it, but he's certainly been unbelievable for me," the defender said.

"The faith and the trust he's shown in me, for bringing me in and playing me consistently and even times when I was really struggling with injuries and things like that. I think back to the last few Euros, I hadn't really played any.

"He's shown a lot of trust in me, so certainly I will always be grateful for everything the manager's done for me."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Image source, SNS

Finally, the contractual dance is over and we know Steve Clarke is staying, not for two more years until the next Euros but for a whopping four until the next World Cup.

The Scottish FA are lumping all their chips on Scotland having a good World Cup. If they do, then four more years of Clarke will feel like the most sensible decision.

If they fail, then we're going to return to the post-Euros rancour of 2024 when many supporters wanted a change. The Scottish FA will come under heavy fire for committing to another four years of Clarke if things go pear-shaped in America.

Some would argue the wise move would have been to hold off until after the World Cup but, clearly, the Scottish FA felt they couldn't do that.

Having slowly altered his view from not likely to stay, to wanting to stay, Clarke would have been pushing them for a decision pre-tournament.

Importantly, his players have made it known how much they enjoy working with him. Why ignore the views of the Scott McTominays and the John McGinns in the hope of landing somebody better than Clarke? That would have been an almost reckless gamble.

There's not exactly a surfeit of available and convincing candidates and Clarke is a proven operator who has become a serial qualifier for major tournaments.

In the end, the decision was probably a relatively straightforward one.

Image source, SNS

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell on Steve Clarke's new contract to 2030: "On behalf of the board I am delighted that we have agreed with Steve to continue as men's head coach.

"His record speaks for itself: three finals tournament qualifications out of four, including consecutive Euros finals and, of course, an imminent World Cup return after nearly three decades.

"Beyond that, he has built a squad that the nation has taken to its heart, making Barclays Hampden a fortress once again.

"During our discussions about the future we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted.

"The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed that road map emphasises that this will not simply be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus over the next four years."

Image source, SNS

"Proud" Steve Clarke says it is a "privilege" to continue as Scotland boss until 2030.

Clarke has led Scotland to successive European Championships and this summer's World Cup, the first for the men's national team since 1998.

The 62-year-old, who took charge in 2019, said: "I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men's World Cup in 28 years and I'm proud to continue as head coach.

"I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back Euros and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.

"It's very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.

"Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as head coach.

"It's important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.

"For now, it's all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curacao this weekend."

Steve Clarke has penned a new deal as Scotland head coach until 2030.

The 62-year-old was due to be out of contract after this summer's World Cup but will continue for a further four years.

Clarke will lead Scotland through the Euro 2028 campaign - which is co-hosted by the UK and Republic of Ireland - and well as qualifiers for the World Cup in 2030.

Scotland fans, what do you make of the news? Are you happy to see Clarke continue for another four years? Would you have preferred a change at the top?

Have your say on Clarke's new deal