Scotland Men's Football Team

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson says missing out on Euro 2024 in Germany because of injury only adds to his determination to make the squad for this summer's World Cup.

Patterson, who has struggled with injuries over the years and featured inconsistently for club side Everton, has been recalled for the first time since last summer for Scotland's upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

The 24-year-old has made just seven appearances for the Toffees this term and hasn't played since a one-minute cameo against Brighton at the end of January.

But the former Rangers defender insists he is fully fit and focused on being part of Scotland's first World Cup in 28 years.

"The disappointment to not be a part of the Euros squad and miss out through injury was obviously hard to take," Patterson said.

"But we've got another huge tournament in the summer and I want to make sure I'm there.

"I would have loved to be there and been involved, but these things happen and my main aim is to make sure I'm in the squad at the World Cup.

"Whatever gets me there, I'll do that. I feel really fit. I don't feel as if I'm in a stage where I'm doubting my body at the minute, so I'm happy where I'm at.

"I think me and the manager have a good relationship. I know what I'm capable of and I know what I bring to the team."

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"Beast of an athlete" Scott McTominay has been praised for the way he has gone from Manchester United "scapegoat" to Napoli great.

Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith revealed he had been impressed from the moment the 29-year-old midfielder joined the national squad.

"He's a beast of an athlete," he said. "He's big, he's strong, he's powerful. The pace he passed the ball with, he's got some real strength here.

"And then he just grows and grows. So he's played centre-half, he's played centre-mid, he's played as a forward. That tells you his knowledge and understanding of the game is top.

"But the biggest compliment I can give him is he has turned himself into the most professional athlete he can be.

"Undoubtedly, when he's was at Man United, he'll have fed off the best to see what that is, what you need to do, his dedication.

"When he was at Man U, he was a scapegoat at times. When he was at a club where they weren't at their best, he got the brunt of it at times.

"And then he was brave enough to move to another country and become a star. That is what he is. The mural [in Napoli] tells you everything. The way he lives his life is incredible."

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Steve Clarke's "brilliant relationship" with the Scottish FA will ensure uncertainty over the head coach's future will have no bearing on their World Cup preparations, assistant Steven Naismith insists.

Clarke's current contract ends after this summer's World Cup finals in the Americas.

But Naismith suggests both the 62-year-old and the governing body are "very relaxed" about his future.

"It's been a relationship that's been around for so long," the former Scotland forward said. "Everybody's comfortable with it.

"There'll be times that things move on. That is where it is. But, at the moment, we should just enjoy what we have. We're going to the World Cup and I think no doubt things will get sorted.

"I think it will be sorted out one way or another. It's very relaxed, because they've been in a relationship for six years, seven years, whatever that is.

"At every point, I think, when the manager's tried to improve things, the SFA have gone with them and vice versa. So there is a relationship, it's a brilliant relationship."

Meanwhile, Naismith says Clarke's "burning desire" is to be the first Scotland boss to progress his side beyond the group stage at a major finals.

"That's not just blind hope," he suggested. "That's looking at a squad of players that are in their prime, that have done everything for this country. And he really believes it.

"We've got tough opposition, but you're going to a World Cup, you're always going to have tough opposition.

"It's going to be tough, but there is a real belief that we can get through this."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland Under-21 manager Scott Gemmill believes there is "real optimism" that several of his players can make the step up to Steve Clarke's senior squad in the near future.

Winger Findlay Curtis, currently on loan to Kilmarnock from Rangers, is the latest to make the jump to the full international set-up, but Gemmill says others are pushing hard for recognition, including in-form Falkirk striker Barney Stewart.

Gemmill believes the gap between youth and senior international football is closing.

"I think there definitely is real optimism if you look at how many of the under-21 players are moving forward to the men's A team," he said.

"Historically, that has happened, but the gap between the levels seems to be shortening.

"In the past, you might have had to wait for an opportunity - now it can happen with a phone call. Steve has shown he's ready to give young players that opportunity."

Stewart's rise has been particularly notable. Just 18 months ago, he was playing for Edinburgh University while studying sports science but is now Falkirk's top scorer in the Scottish Premiership.

"It's an indication of how well his club have done to identify and recruit him - and how well he has taken that opportunity," Gemmill added.

"You can talk about potential, but you never really know until players are given the chance. To perform consistently at that level, he deserves a lot of credit.

"It's about continuous improvement - and he's shown that, along with the right mentality and attitude."

Gemmill's side sit third in their in their Euro 2027 qualifying group, level on poins with Friday's visitors to Tannadice, the Czech Republic, before travelling to face group leaders Portugal next Tuesday.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Aston Villa's underperforming stars know the "magnitude" of their Europa League showdown with Lille, according to captain John McGinn.

Unai Emery's side hold a 1-0 first-leg lead in their last-16 tie before the return game at Villa Park on Thursday.

Their season could hinge on European success - and ending a 30-year trophy drought - after their Premier League form plummeted this year.

They are clinging on to fourth in the table following two wins in 10 league games.

"We know it's an important game, probably slightly more important because of the recent results, so the dressing room knows the magnitude of the game," said McGinn.

"We had a much larger gap [over Champions League rivals], now Manchester United have picked up, Chelsea, Liverpool are indifferent like ourselves.

"There are teams in better form but what we've shown is we have the capability to put some momentum together.

"This is no different. One thing that needs to improve is our home form.

"When you're talking about confidence, we went through a similar spell already this season in August and September, and it doesn't just flick on overnight, it's gradual.

"We won against Bologna, against Fulham, with performances that weren't pretty but it got confidence back up and that's exactly what we need to do again."

Scotland international McGinn has returned after missing 10 games with a knee injury, coming on as a second-half substitute in Lille last week.

He is the first of Villa's sidelined midfield trio to come back with Youri Tielemans still out with an ankle problem and Boubacar Kamara out until next season with a knee injury.

"When you're out injured and the results don't go so well you automatically become this superior player and you're the reason why things aren't going well," he said.

"There's many reasons why things haven't been going well but when you lose three of your midfield most teams in the country would struggle.

"I certainly feel the expectation and the pressure to remind the players of what it takes to play for Aston Villa.

"It's a demanding club to play for. When you set standards, you're expected to meet them again. When you fall short of that, you'll get criticism."

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Scotland captain Andy Robertson, 32, shut down talk about his Liverpool future, saying on Tuesday: "I don't think the day is the day to discuss that." (Sun), external

Liverpool's former Scotland midfielder Richard Hughes is on a three-strong shortlist to become the new sporting director at Saudi Pro-League club Al-Hilal. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

The Scottish FA will not be rushed into offering national coach Steve Clarke a new contract. (Sun), external

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Scotland's squad for their two upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

Here's what some of you said:

Shanade: It's criminal there's no Hearts players considering they're top of the league. Especially Harry Milne, he has been outstanding this season.

Cal: Surprised to see Findlay Curtis in the squad as it's a bit of a leftfield shout but not against it. Was hoping Stephen O'Donnell would get a call-up ahead of Anthony Ralston. Good to see Tommy Conway back in the squad.

Nigel: Poor squad choices. I agree with Curtis but why no Craig Halkett or Milne in the squad. It's a friendly after all and they have to be worth looking at. When did Grant Hanley or Ralston last start or play 90 minutes?

David: Unbelievable no Hearts or Motherwell players included. Surely these games are times to look at alternatives rather than the same old like Hanley and Ralston.

Ross: Get Barney Stewart in, on the crest of a wave, one of top scoring Scottish strikers around at the moment. Will move in the summer for a big sum, let's not regret it four years down the line until the next World Cup to see what could have been this time round had we taken a chance.

Danny: I'm not against new players being picked for the friendlies. Imagine Steve Clarke is covering bases and looking for extra bodies for the World Cup. Not a bad thing to freshen things up.

Greg: What is the point in playing friendly games if you stick with guys like Hanley? Not good enough for the Championship in England but good enough for the World Cup with Scotland, according to Clarke. His stubborn belief in a third-rate defender will come back to bite him and Scottish chances of progressing.

Derek: Not quite sure why Curtis is seen as such a surprise inclusion. We've been crying out for width for a long time, and are too reliant on Ben Gannon-Doak to provide it. Admittedly I'm a Kilmarnock season-ticket holder so slightly biased - but he's a guy that's going to play for Scotland, whether now or a couple of years from now - the smart move is to get him acclimatised.

Lewis: I am delighted to see Curtis in this squad. In the last campaign we had a serious lack of pace with Gannon-Doak as our only winger. Curtis' pace and direct style of play will give us a much-needed wide option and allow us to hit teams on the counter - which might be crucial this summer.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Head coach Steve Clarke has been speaking to the media after naming his squad for Scotland's upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

Here are the key lines:

• Clarke says there are still "players I feel I need to have a look at" in his current selection for this month's matches.

• Regarding his squad, the Scotland boss adds that "a lot can change in the final 10 weeks" before the World Cup kicks off in the summer.

• Clarke also believes there has been a "natural evolution" to his group.

• Kilmarnock winger Findlay Curtis, who is on loan from Rangers, is a surprise inclusion in Clarke's set-up and he says he feels the youngster is "direct" and "tries to make things happen".

• The head coach watched the 19-year-old star in Kilmarnock's impressive victory against Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Saturday night and "thought he was decent" in the game.

• Clarke also revealed the squad will use Fort Lauderdale in Florida as a pre-World Cup base before they move to their main one in Charlotte.

• The 62-year-old is keen to see "how we stand on the world stage" when the Scots side get to the US.

Teenage Kilmarnock winger Findlay Curtis is a surprise inclusion in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for two friendly matches later this month.

Scotland host Japan at Hampden on Saturday 28 March before taking on Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday 31 March.

Wrexham centre-back Dominic Hyam and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway have also been recalled to join an otherwise settled squad.

Everton right-back Nathan Patterson is also included having played no part in Scotland's successful World Cup qualifying campaign in the autumn because of injury.

Napoli's Billy Gilmour is back after missing the last camp through injury, while his club team-mate Scott McTominay and Aston Villa's John McGinn are both in as expected after recently returning to action.

Send us your thoughts on the squad.

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Scott McTominay made his return from injury, but it was fellow Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour who inspired reigning champions Napoli's comeback to beat Lecce 2-1 in Serie A.

The 24-year-old, who was making his second start after himself sitting out three months with a groin problem, played a superb defence-splitting pass to set up his side's equaliser shortly after the break on Saturday evening.

It found Matteo Politano free on the wing and his low cross was prodded home by Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund.

With McTominay, missing for a month with tendon inflammation, on the bench along with fit-again former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli fell behind within three minutes as Jamil Siebert rose to head in from a corner for the 16th-placed visitors.

However, with McTominay and De Bruyne on at half-time, the comeback was complete when winger Politano volleyed the winner that revives Napoli's hopes of retaining the title.

With Internazionale held to a 1-1 draw at home to Atalanta, the Scots' third-placed side are nine points behind, with AC Milan one point better off than Napoli before playing Lazio on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller was a 67th-minute substitute as 11th-placed Udinese lost 1-0 at home to fourth-top Juventus.

In England, Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean scored Norwich City's second goal in a 2-0 win over Preston North End as the Canaries leapfrogged the visitors into 11th place in the Championship.