Scotland is gearing up for a challenging start to Euro 2024 as they face a crisis in the right-back position and cope with the absence of a key midfielder.
Coach Steve Clarke revealed on Wednesday a provisional 28-man squad, notable for the absence of injured right-backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson, along with Lewis Ferguson, the influential Bologna midfielder who recently underwent knee surgery. Ferguson, named the best midfielder in the Italian league this season, will be sorely missed by the team.
Included in the squad is veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 41, who returns after recovering from a double leg break. Also, making headlines is the uncapped 18-year-old Liverpool forward, Ben Doak, although he hasn't seen game time since December.
Scotland's striking options primarily rely on Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams, both of whom have been plying their trade in England's second tier this season.
Despite the challenges, Scotland enters Euro 2024 with a notable victory over Spain in qualifying. They have been granted the prestigious opportunity to kick off the tournament against host nation Germany in Munich on June 14, followed by group stage matches against Hungary and Switzerland.
However, Scotland's track record in major tournaments is not promising, having never progressed beyond the group stage in their 11 previous appearances.
