Scotland announce 26-man World Cup squad as 43-year-old veteran makes the cut

Craig Gordon has completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in British football at the age of 43 after being named in Scotland's squad for this summer's World Cup.

The veteran Hearts goalkeeper has earned a place in Steve Clarke's 26-man group and will travel to the United States as Scotland prepare for their first World Cup campaign since 1998.

Gordon's inclusion is a powerful testament to his longevity and resilience.

After suffering a career-threatening double leg break in 2022, many feared his playing days at the highest level were over.

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Instead, the former Sunderland and Celtic star has battled back to reclaim his place for club and country, underlining why he remains one of the most respected figures in Scottish football.

Gordon is joined by Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly as Clarke's goalkeeping options, with the trio having made only 15 appearances between them this season.

The squad announcement also brought a welcome return for Ross Stewart, who ends a four-year exile from international football.

The 29-year-old Southampton striker has not featured for Scotland since 2022 but forced his way back into contention after scoring 11 goals in 33 matches this season, including a crucial strike in the Championship play-off semi-final victory over Middlesbrough.

Teenage winger Findlay Curtis is another eye-catching inclusion.

The 19-year-old Rangers prospect made his senior debut against Japan in March and ended the season with five goals during a productive loan spell at Kilmarnock.

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There was no place, however, for Lennon Miller despite the midfielder enjoying an impressive first campaign with Udinese, where he has made 25 appearances.

Scotland have been drawn in Group C and will face Haiti on June 14, Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24.

The first two matches will be staged in Massachusetts before Clarke's side conclude the group phase in Miami.

Before the tournament begins, Scotland will take on Curaçao at Hampden Park on May 30 and then face Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.

Scotland haven't featured at the World Cup since 1998.

With A-listers such as Scott McTominay and John McGinn in their ranks, however, they'll be daring to dream of a run to the knockout stages this summer.

Scotland squad in full

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers).

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli).

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton).

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