The Tartan Army’s World Cup squad is named this week
Could Oli McBurnie yet make it into Scotland’s World Cup squad?(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Striker Tommy Conway has been ruled out of this summer’s World Cup after sustaining an ankle injury which forced him off in the second half of Middlesbrough’s play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton.
Conway was expected to be named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for next month’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, which is to be announced at 12pm on Tuesday afternoon.
The Boro frontman is set to undergo surgery on the injury which saw him leave the St Mary’s pitch in tears last Tuesday night, with him now facing a race against time to get himself fit for the start of next season.
His absence could pave the way for Hull City striker Oli McBurnie to be called up for the first time in five years, as he prepares for Saturday’s play-off final at Wembley against the South Coast outfit.
McBurnie hasn’t played for the Tartan Army since a game against the Faroe Islands in March 2021, but there have been widespread calls to see the 29-year-old City talisman return to the international scene after a blistering season in the Championship.
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The forward has bagged 17 goals and notched eight assists to help City to within one game of the Premier League, though he has admitted he felt it unlikely that he would return under Clarke following conversations with the manager, who has made clear his intention to keep faith with Conway, Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams, as well as in-form Hearts man Lawrence Shankland.
In recent months, McBurnie has been on the reserve list, but with Conway’s injury ruling out any part in the World Cup, a door could yet be opened for the Tigers ace.
Scotland kick off their campaign against Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 14, before taking on Morocco in Foxborough the following Friday. Their final Group C match sees Clarke’s side tackle Brazil in Miami on June 24. Before then, Scotland will play Curacao in a warm-up at Hampden Park on May 30, and their final friendly will come against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6. The Tartan Army will be based at Inter Miami’s training complex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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