It has been 27 years since Scotland’s last World Cup appearance, a campaign that ended with defeat to Morocco in Saint-Etienne. Steve Clarke and the Tartan Army are ready to start a new journey, with their latest qualifying campaign kicking off this evening.

The first assignment is a difficult tie against Pot 1 Denmark in Copenhagen, a city where Scotland were previously swept aside comfortably. Captain Andy Robertson started that 2-0 defeat, and is wary of the Danes threat,” I remember last time we were out there they like to start fast”.

Scotland also head to the ZTE Arena in Hungary to face Belarus on neutral ground. With Greece also in the group, Clarke is confident that his team can handle the challenges.

“This group of players and this group of coaches can deliver, so that’s what we have to try and do,”. The manager’s belief comes despite Scotland’s dip in form following Euro 2024. This includes relegation from Group A of the Nations League after a 3-0 home defeat to Greece in March, and a further 3-1 friendly defeat to Iceland in June.

Despite the recent setbacks, Clarke is keen to give the Tartan Army a new World Cup dream to believe in, “I think they enjoyed their time in Germany”, “If we can take them across the ocean to America, then I’m sure they’ll love it.”

Squad

Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Zander Clark, Liam Kelly

Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Anthony Ralston Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney

Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller

Forwards: Ché Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst