Scotland Squad: Kieron Bowie and Connor Barron Get First Call-Ups for Friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Fresh Faces and Familiar Names: Inside Scotland’s 25-Man Squad Shake-Up

If you’re a Scotland fan, this new squad list for the upcoming friendlies probably got your attention. Manager Steve Clarke is shaking things up, naming six changes from the last camp while still sticking to the backbone of tried-and-tested regulars. The most buzzworthy additions? Kieron Bowie, the Hibernian striker putting up six goals in this Premiership season, and Connor Barron, the promising talent from Rangers’ midfield. It’s their first taste of international senior football, and they’ll be squeezed right into a dressing room that still boasts Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson, Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, and Brighton’s Billy Gilmour.

The changes aren’t just about giving young players a chance; they’re forced a bit by injuries too. Between the posts, Angus Gunn is back as Scotland’s Number 1, a welcome sight after both Craig Gordon (Hearts) and Liam Kelly (Rangers) were ruled out. Gunn isn’t alone, though—Kilmarnock’s Robby McCrorie and the uncapped Cieran Slicker, who plies his trade at Ipswich, complete a refreshed goalkeeping trio.

Defense also gets a mini-makeover. Josh Doig from Sassuolo replaces the unavailable Ryan Porteous, joining mainstays like Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson and, of course, captain Andy Robertson. If you’re watching for the next big thing, keep an eye out for Max Johnston and Lennon Miller, who are slowly starting to make their marks at senior level.

Building for the Future—Without Ditching the Present

In midfield, there’s a shakeup as well. Connor Barron and Andy Irving (who’s been impressing at West Ham) are in for Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean. Lennon Miller steps in as another fresh face—a sign that Clarke is steadily looking to integrate the next generation, but not at the expense of experience. John McGinn (Villa) and Scott McTominay stick around, offering leadership and consistency.

Up front, there’s competition brewing. Che Adams is still a key option (now at Torino), alongside Middlesbrough’s Tommy Conway and Ipswich’s George Hirst. But it’s the call-up for 22-year-old Bowie that’s turning heads. After hammering in goals for Hibs all season, he gets to test himself on the international stage—a huge chance not just for him, but for the national side to see how new blood stacks up in real matches. Teenager James Wilson, already showing promise at Hearts, is also included in the forward ranks, bringing energy and unpredictability.

Clarke has been clear about one thing: no wild tactical experiments. With these friendlies, he’s after sharpness, chemistry, and seamless integration ahead of the World Cup qualifiers kicking off September. The team’s veteran core—like Andy Robertson—has been vocal about helping these youngsters feel at home. It’s a careful blend: nurture tomorrow’s stars while leaning on the old guard for steadiness and drive.

While Iceland and Liechtenstein aren’t exactly world-beaters, these matches are far from throwaway. They’re auditions for the new arrivals and real-time rehearsals for Clarke’s masterplan heading into the qualifiers. For now, every spot, every substitution, and every performance could shape Scotland’s path on the road to the World Cup.