Overview
- Steve Clarke named a 26-man Scotland squad for March friendlies against Japan on March 28 at Hampden Park and Ivory Coast on March 31 at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Goalkeeper Angus Gunn was recalled to Scotland in place of injured veteran Craig Gordon, with Clarke framing the camp as a final assessment window before the summer finals.
- Uncapped 19-year-old Findlay Curtis earned a maiden call-up as Scotland seek wider options out wide, while Ben Gannon-Doak was left out as he continues his hamstring recovery.
- Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed striker Kieffer Moore will miss Wales’ play-off semi-final against Bosnia on March 26 and any March 31 final due to a tendon injury.
- Wales’ selection push was further hit as Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips did not switch allegiance and was absent from the 26-man squad, with other injuries including skipper Ben Davies and Chris Mepham.