Scotland manager Steve Clarke has unveiled his latest squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, bringing Sunderland striker Ross Stewart back into the fold. The call-up for Stewart signals a return to international duty for the forward, who has been a consistent performer for his club when fit.
However, several other players will miss out on the opportunity to represent their country. Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie, Oxford United's Kieron Bowie, and Motherwell's Lennon Miller were notably absent from Clarke's selection. McBurnie has recently returned to form with Sheffield United, scoring crucial goals, but it appears not enough to convince Clarke for this particular squad.
The decisions align with what many observers, including sports journalist Tom English, describe as Clarke's characteristic loyalty and straightforward approach to squad selection. Clarke has often favoured a consistent core of players, avoiding frequent changes unless necessitated by injury or significant dips in form. This strategy aims to foster strong team cohesion and understanding, particularly in high-stakes qualifying campaigns.
Ross Stewart's inclusion comes after a period where he has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess for Sunderland in the Championship. His physical presence and ability to find the back of the net could offer a different attacking option for Scotland as they navigate their qualifying fixtures. The manager's preference for players who are actively contributing at club level, and who understand his tactical system, appears to be a key factor in these selections.
The omission of younger talents like Kieron Bowie and Lennon Miller suggests Clarke believes they are not yet ready to make a significant impact at senior international level, or that other options are currently preferred. Miller, in particular, has impressed with Motherwell but will have to wait for his senior Scotland debut. Clarke's focus remains firmly on securing qualification for the World Cup, relying on established players and those he trusts to execute his game plan.