Scotland Men's Football Team

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Paul Lambert believes Scotland "100%" need a victory in their opening World Cup fixture against Haiti as "three points can take you through".

Steve Clarke's side have travelled to the US and will play one more warm-up match against Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday before taking on Haiti in their Group C opener on 14 June in Massachusetts.

Games against Morocco and Brazil follow.

"It'll depend on what system Stevie goes with, whether he goes with the two lads up front or he changes it," Lambert told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Whatever system is going to get a result for us, we 100% need that result, regardless of how we do it, because the second and third games are going to be a little bit more difficult. He's going to have to get it right.

"The way the format is and the way the draw's favoured us, three points can take you through. That might just be enough depending on what happens in other groups. Four points will definitely get you through.

"If we can just win that first game, I think that's the key to it. You could score in the last minute and just get that win and that sets you up for everything else."

Teenage midfielder Tyler Fletcher has been called up to replace the injured Billy Gilmour, who picked up a knee knock in Saturday's 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden.

"Somebody else's loss is somebody else's gain and Stevie's obviously thought the lad Fletcher's better than anybody to put him in at the minute," said Lambert, a midfielder who played in Scotland's last World Cup finals campaign in 1998.

"I just don't think it'll be his ability, I think it'll be what he's like off the field and how he interacts with people and how he holds himself in front of the more experienced lads. Doesn't really surprise me, that.

"I'm not sure Gilmour would've been a starter. He's done well in certain games he's been in but I don't know if he would've been a starter, even though he's a really good player.

"Stevie will know exactly what he's going to do. He'll know his team for that first game. I'm pretty sure he'll know his team that's going to start."

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"Letdowns" have been the theme of a "strange career" for Billy Gilmour, but Pat Nevin expects the Scotland midfielder to respond after being ruled out of the World Cup.

The Napoli player picked up a knee injury in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over 10-man Curacao, which led to the 24-year-old being replaced by Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher in Steve Clarke's squad.

"It's going to be painful [for Gilmour]," fellow former Chelsea man Nevin told BBC Scotland.

"I've been there a couple of times myself. You feel as if everyone's had the biggest party in the world, you're not invited, and all your mates have gone."

On the setbacks Gilmour has suffered throughout his career, Nevin said: "He has to get used to all these negatives that have happened.

"He's a brilliant, brilliant player, but look at his career. They loved him at Chelsea, but he had Jorginho in front of him.

"Norwich, it didn't go well for him... Brighton, it didn't go well even though he was playing well. At Napoli, Stanislav Lobotka is playing every week ahead of him, but they still love him there.

"He is having a strange career, lots and lots of letdowns. The nice thing is he has a great, strong personality."

On the surprise news that teenager Fletcher will replace Gilmour, Nevin said it was "really tough" on the players Clarke has left out but added: "You don't get on the bench time after time for Manchester United if you're useless."

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Tyler Fletcher's surprise call-up to Scotland's World Cup squad has "split opinion" but has "dispelled the myth" that head coach Steve Clarke is unwilling to give youth a chance, according to former striker Rory Loy.

The Manchester United 19-year-old was chosen to replace the injured Billy Gilmour instead of Udinese's Lennon Miller, Rangers' Connor Barron, or Sparta Prague's Andy Irving.

Fletcher, who has played twice for his club, earned his first cap as a substitute in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao having initially been among a group of under-21 players invited to train with the senior squad.

"I think young Tyler Fletcher being right under Steve Clark's nose this week has definitely helped," former Falkirk and Dundee forward Loy suggested on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "And, credit to him, because he's obviously stepped up in training.

"From the things I'm reading, he's done very, very well and made a good impression. He was given 45 minutes at Hampden. I thought he was excellent, really good.

"So Andy Irving, Connor Barron, Lennon Miller, they'll be disappointed, but ultimately Tyler Fletcher was there, run right under the manager's nose and was so good that they couldn't ignore him obviously in training and in the game at the weekend.

"Steve Clarke's been criticised quite a lot about not bringing in fresh face faces and not having younger players in the squad.

"I think there's enough now that have been exposed to it and bloodied in and that are part of the squad to really point to the fact that I think that myth's got to be dispelled a little bit now."

Former Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson suggested: "If he's half as good as his dad [former Manchester United midfielder Darren], we're on to a right winner."

As for those who missed out, Thomson backed them to respond, adding: "You don't get to this level and down tools and spit the dummy out."

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A good World Cup for Scotland winger Findlay Curtis would have "big clubs circling", according to Kevin Thomson, who was his coach at Rangers from the age of 12.

The 19-year-old burst into Steve Clarke's squad for the finals after a blistering end to the season on loan to Kilmarnock - and then by scoring in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao.

Thomson admits that Curtis was "probably a wee bit of a bronze-silver medal mentality as a young Rangers player" and his progress shows what you can achieve through hard work and dedication.

"Great boy," the former Rangers and Scotland midfielder told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "Was never probably one that was at the top of the group. Never really one of the diamonds as such, but a humble, real hard-working lad.

"A lot of people probably thought he's maybe not going to go to Kilmarnock, he's maybe not going to play, but he was brave enough to go out on loan and take his chance.

"He's probably propelled himself up the ladder to the degree where, if he's not going to start, he'll certainly be one of the ones, when Steve Clark looks over his shoulder, he's not there just filling up the numbers now."

Thomson pondered whether Curtis might not add to his six starts so far for Rangers after he returns from the United States.

"Obviously I want to see him do really well for Rangers - and he certainly wouldn't be moving unless it was for big bucks - but if he has a good World Cup, it wouldn't surprise me if the big clubs start circling," he added.

"He's a breath of fresh air. I think sometimes a lot of young players, when they're at the big clubs, get a bit of comfort in staying there, but Finn's been brave enough to go and play.

"An unbelievable kid to work with, a coach's dream. And he's now reaping the rewards of that."

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Starting Lawrence Shankland at this summer's World Cup gives Scotland their "biggest chance of coming back with zero regrets", says former striker Rory Loy.

The Rangers forward started and scored twice with two clinical finishes in Saturday's 4-1 friendly victory over 10-man Curacao.

That performance has intensified the clamour for the former Hearts captain to feature in Steve Clarke's starting line-up in the US.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, ex-Scotland youth international Loy said: "If Clarke goes with a front two, I think he will definitely pick Shankland.

"But if he goes with one, I think it remains open for debate whether he goes with Che Adams or Shankland.

"I personally would go with Shankland. Given it's Haiti first, I just don't think you want to leave America with any regrets.

"And starting Shankland is our biggest chance of coming back with zero regrets because he can put a half-chance away.

"That instinctive finishing in the box is something we've been crying out for as a nation for a while and Shankland's been right under our nose. I think it's his time to shine."

Former Scotland and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson added: "It might be slim chances, so if they fall for Shankland, you will back him to put the ball in the back of the net.

"I would be surprised if, after the performance he put in on Saturday - albeit against 10 men - he hasn't put himself right in pole position to get that starting slot."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland defender Scott McKenna admits it is only now starting to hit home that he is going to be part of the biggest football show on earth.

The Dinamo Zagreb centre-back says the World Cup has "always been at the back of my mind" since qualifying in November, but now that club commitments are out of the way, he is fully focused on helping Scotland deliver on the world stage.

"Because we've stayed in the same hotel [ahead of the Curacao game] and we've been training at Lesser Hampden as we do in normal camps, when we get to America, things will start to ramp up and feel more real.

"I think we've shown that in the qualifying campaign. If we get it right on the night and this group sticks together and plays the way it can, then we can definitely try to progress to places we've not been before."

Saturday's friendly against Curacao saw McKenna win his 50th cap for Scotland, a special milestone he "never expected to reach".

He will be hoping to add to his international appearances this summer as Scotland strive to do something they have never managed to achieve at any major finals and reach the knockout stages.

It is an ambition this squad seems desperate to realise, and McKenna believes head coach Steve Clarke has played a key role in instilling that belief.

After Clarke agreed to extend his contract, McKenna says "everyone in the dressing room was pleased".

"I think he's been so loyal to us and everything we've achieved is largely down to him," McKenna added.

"I think everyone's just absolutely buzzing that he's going to be here for a few more years."

We asked for your thoughts after Scotland beat 10-man Curacao 4-1 at Hampden on Saturday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ben: Good performance, although there were spells where we could not keep the ball for five seconds. Lawrence Shankland proved his worth in this Scotland squad today. Findlay Curtis and Tyler Fletcher were good also, sad to see Billy Gilmour miss out.

Lewis: Really assured performance against an underestimated Curacao team. Shankland is just what we need up top and Steve Clarke deserves a lot of credit for bringing in Curtis, would have been very easy to leave him at home.

Bill: A decent result, but one that was triggered by the red card. One thing is clear: Shankland has to start. He's already forming a partnership with Lyndon Dykes, so please heed this gaffer. We need to click before the opener, and it's obvious Lawrence is the one to provide the much-needed spark.

Andrew: Very poor first half - only when they play 10 players are Scotland any good.

Peter: Had they not had a player sent off I don't think it would have been 4-1. Glad to get the win and see how the boys are linking up.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland's Lyndon Dykes says getting to the World Cup is "massive" for him and admits he "can't wait to get out there."

The striker missed out on the European Championship in Germany two years ago through injury.

"It's massive," said the 30-year-old. "It's the World Cup. Any boy dreaming to play football, that's the pinnacle of it. It's been a long time coming.

"I'm dying to get out there. I've been training really hard and staying focused and giving my all for my team, like I always do. So hopefully we can do well and get out of the group."

Born in Australia, Dykes came into football "much later" than most, and admits playing on the big stage never really came into his thoughts.

"My story's a little bit different to everyone else," he said. "When I came through at Queen of the South I wouldn't even imagine to be where I am now.

"So obviously getting to the World Cup and the whole world's watching, it's just a dream come true.

"I missed out on the Euros last time and it hurt a lot."

"I'm just going to soak it all up. Hopefully I can perform well for my team, for my country. I'm just going to take it in and enjoy it because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Dykes says much of Scotland's recent success is down to head coach Steve Clarke, who earlier this week signed a new four-year contract extension.

"He's been great," he said. "He's been my manager since I first came in, all the way to 51 caps.

"He's been the driving force to where we are now. We've achieved one thing and then we've achieved the next and we just keep rolling on. Now he wants us to be history makers.

"We want to get out of the group. But it comes down to him and what he's built in this team."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."