Scotland squad announcement LIVE as two wildcard picks state their case for World Cup warmups

It's not quite World Cup decision time yet but the first dress rehearsals are imminent.

Steve Clarke is about to name his Scotland squad that will take on Japan and Ivory Coast later this month and it's set to be a priceless audition for a number of stars.

There are names you can bet your house on going to North America. Injuries notwithstanding, the likes of Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Scott McTominay have safe spots on the plane.

But beyond the core group which Clarke has built his legacy on, there are places up for grabs.

And that's what these friendlies are for.

There are a number of wildcard options to consider who may get a run out at Hampden and in Liverpool in a few weeks' time. As yet uncapped stars who have been flying in the Premiership, such as Hearts' Craig Halkett and Falkirk's Calvin Miller, could get the chance to state their case.

And those who have featured recently but aren't yet secure of spots – such as Hellas Verona frontman Kieron Bowie – will need to make these games count.

The eyes of the nation are firmly on the announcement and we'll have it all, including Steve Clarke's press conference where he'll go into detail on his picks, right here.

We've got McGinn – and thank goodness for that!

It had looked touch and go whether John McGinn would be available for the March games but his recent return for Aston Villa means he will be available.

The Villa captain had been out since mid-January with a knee injury but made his comeback off the bench against Lille and played an hour against Manchester United yesterday.

His minutes may well be managed in the March internationals, mind you. He's not exactly one who has anything left to prove.

What a ride it's been under Steve Clarke – and we might