Scotland Await Tommy Conway Injury Update
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is set to announce his squad for this summer's World Cup on Tuesday. By that time, he expects to have clarity on whether Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway will be fit to travel if selected.
Conway was forced off the pitch in tears during the 73rd minute of Middlesbrough's 2-1 Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton on Tuesday evening. The 23-year-old's injury details have not yet been disclosed by his club.
Ross Stewart scored an equaliser just before half-time for Southampton. However, neither Stewart nor Hull City forward Oli McBurnie will have another opportunity to impress Clarke, as the Scotland squad will be announced prior to their final at Wembley on 23 May.
Stewart's availability for the final remains uncertain due to a pending disciplinary matter. Southampton have been charged by the English Football League for allegedly spying on their opponents during training, a charge the club has not denied.
Play-Off Context and Player Performances
Stewart and McBurnie, rivals in the Championship, have both contributed significantly to their clubs this season. Stewart, a former Ross County and Sunderland striker, earned his second Scotland cap in 2022. Free from injury, he has scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton, who finished fourth in the Championship, including five goals in his last 10 matches.
McBurnie, aged 29, did not add to his 18 goals in 41 appearances but played a key role for sixth-placed Hull City. He started both legs of their 2-0 aggregate victory over third-placed Millwall. The former Sheffield United and Las Palmas striker recently contacted Clarke directly, making a plea for a recall to the national team, having last been capped in 2021 with 16 appearances.
Squad Selection Process
All 48 national associations were required to submit a provisional squad of up to 55 players to FIFA ahead of the World Cup finals. However, these provisional lists are not publicly disclosed, so it remains unknown whether Stewart or McBurnie are included in Scotland's extended squad.
The final squad is expected to include current members of the under-21 team and uncapped players such as Stephen Welsh, a 26-year-old centre-back on loan to Motherwell from Celtic, who has impressed this season.
Last month, Clarke indicated that he was
"more or less set in my mind"regarding the 26 players he intends to take to the finals, although he acknowledged that two spots might still be undecided.
Known for his loyalty to players who have performed well under his management, Clarke's decision may be influenced by Conway's injury, potentially opening an additional spot in the squad.
Upcoming Fixtures
Scotland will host Curacao, who recently reappointed former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat as head coach, in a friendly match at Hampden on 30 May. This will be followed by a final warm-up game against Bolivia on 6 June in Harrison, New Jersey.
