Scotland squad in full as Nathan Patterson and Lyndon Dykes make the cut but two exclusions raise eyebrows

It's that time again as Scotland get set to kick off another major tournament qualifying campaign.

It's Euro 2024 in our sights this time around and there's reason to be optimistic we can make it after that 0-0 draw with Ukraine in our last competitive game earned us a playoff if we need it. But Steve Clarke will be hoping he doesn't as he targets automatic qualification from Group A which looks competitive with Spain and Norway set to provide tough tests.

First up it's Cyprus at Hampden though in a clash Clarke will hope can set the tone for a successful qualifying campaign. Then it's the Spanish who travel to Glasgow's south side for the first time since 2010 looking to lay a marker down in their own pursuit of major tournament qualification. The games take place on Saturday 25 and Tuesday 28 March and Clarke has named his squad with no major surprises.

Lyndon Dykes makes the cut after overcoming pneumonia while Nathan Patterson has also beat an injury scare. Angus Gunn is the only new face with Liam Kelly picked over Jon McLaughlin.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Clark, Gunn, Kelly

Defenders: Cooper, Hanley, Hendry, Hickey, Patterson, Porteous, Robertson, Tierney

Midfielders: Armstrong, Ferguson, Gilmour, Jack, McGinn, McGregor, McLean, McTominay

Forwards: Adams, Brown, Christie, Dykes

Lawrence Shankland missed Hearts' double-header with Celtic due to an ankle injury but it wasn't thought to be serious and it's a surprise to see him out after 21 goals in 37 appearances.

A sign that his knock is worse than first feared?

It's good to see Lyndon Dykes and Nathan Patterson in the squad as both looked doubtful.

Dykes had been given the all-clear but so soon after recovering from pneumonia, Clarke would have been forgiven