Young Quartet Joins Scotland for World Cup Preparations
Hearts duo James Wilson and Liam McFarlane, Dundee defender Luke Graham, and Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher will participate in training sessions with the Scotland national team next week as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Head coach Steve Clarke announced his 26-man squad on Tuesday, noting that players will join training at different times depending on the conclusion of their respective club seasons.
To accommodate this, Clarke has invited the young quartet to train with the senior squad, providing them an opportunity to showcase their abilities. McFarlane will remain with the group during their trip to the United States, serving as a "training goalkeeper."
"When I announced the squad, I made reference to a few young players joining us for training at Lesser Hampden," Clarke said.
"It's helpful for us, because it boosts our numbers for training – given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar.
"It should also be a very positive experience for the players themselves, who will get an insight into what we look for in the senior squad environment, surrounded by top professionals."
Wilson, who became Scotland's youngest ever male player when he debuted against Greece in March 2025, is now 19 years old. He spent the latter half of this season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur but did not make a senior appearance.
McFarlane, aged 21, has been on loan with Alloa Athletic. Fletcher, 19, has broken into the senior Manchester United setup, while Graham, 22, was nominated for the SPFL Young Player of the Year award.
