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Nicky Devlin one of 3 new Scotland faces as Steve Clarke names squad to face Croatia and Portugal

-Credit: (Image: Mark Scates / SNS Group)
-Credit: (Image: Mark Scates / SNS Group)


Steve Clarke has handed shock call ups to three uncapped players for Scotland's Nations League double header this month.

Aberdeen full back Nicky Devlin, Preston centre half Liam Lindsay and West Ham playmaker Andy Irving have all been included in the squad to take on Croatia and Portugal, while Craig Gordon has been recalled following his controversial Euro 2024 omission. Injuries to key defenders Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna alongside long-term absentees Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson has left Steve Clarke short at the back, with the former Killie boss now turning to Devlin and Lindsay to plug the gaps. Ex Hearts kid Irving impressed in a season-long loan at Austria Klagenfurt and has managed to force his way into Julen Lopetegui plans at West Ham.

Clarke's men are in desperate need of a result having not won any of their last eight competitive matches - the worst run of form in the national team's history. There was some consolation for the Scots having performed well in the September internationals against Poland and Portugal, but no points from the first two Nations League A matches has added to growing speculation around Clarke's future.

Scotland will look to bounce back when they go to 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia on Saturday, October 12 before welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to Hampden three days later.

Scotland squad in full

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Jon McCracken

Defenders: Nicky Devlin, Grant Hanley, Liam Lindsay, Ryan Porteous, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Greg Taylor

Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Ben Doak, James Forrest, Ryan Gauld, Billy Gilmour, Andy Irving, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay

Forwards: Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, Lewis Morgan