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Which Scotland outsiders have a chance of making the Euros?

Which Scotland outsiders have a chance of making the Euros?
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Could Steve Clarke spring a surprise or two when naming his squad for this summer?

Steve Clarke will announce his Scotland squad for this summer's European Championships on Wednesday.

It will be a moment that makes or breaks the dreams of those hoping to play a part as the nation makes its return to major tournament action after 23 years in the wilderness.

Here PA takes a look at the outside picks who may yet find their way into Clark's 26-man squad.

Allan McGregor

The Rangers goalkeeper retired from Scotland duty two years ago, calling it a day after 42 caps in order to focus on his club career. And it is hard to argue it was the wrong decision given the way the 39-year-old has performed for Steven Gerrard's new Premiership champions. A string of vital stops in Old Firm clashes and big European ties earned him the SPFL player of the year award. But they have also now sparked calls for him to reconsider his Scotland stance – most notably from Kenny Dalglish and Ally McCoist. Current number one David Marshall has seen his form fluctuate since his penalty heroics sealed qualification for this summer's finals while back-up keeper Craig Gordon has spent the last year playing in the Scottish Championship with Hearts.

Billy Gilmour

What the Chelsea wonderkid lacks in stature he more than makes up for in talent and potential. Calls for the 19-year-old former Rangers youngster to be fast-tracked into Clarke's squad were sparked as soon as former Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard decided he was good enough for a regular slot in his Blues line-up. He has found action harder to come by since Thomas Tuchel took over while Clarke has also so far resisted. But Gilmour's passing range and ability on the ball have marked him out as a star of the future.

Ryan Gauld

'Mini Messi' is all grown up now – but the Farense playmaker looks to have finally shaken off the teething troubles which blighted him in the early years after his move to Portugal. Gauld's potential was spotted by Sporting Lisbon in 2014 when they paid £3million to prise the then 18-year-old away from Dundee United. But he struggled to break into a star-studded line-up and spent much of his five-year stint with the Lions out on loan, including a six-month spell with Hibs. However, now 25 and settled back at previous loan club Farense, Gauld is finally justifying the early hype having almost single-handedly kept his club in Portugal's top-flight. Gauld has managed nine man-of-the-match awards, nine goals and seven assists in 33 league matches.

Nathan Patterson

The Ibrox teenager's entire first-team track record extends to just 16 appearances – seven of which came from the bench. But in that brief body of work, Patterson has been able to demonstrate why Gers boss Gerrard believes he is one of Scotland's "brightest prospects ever in terms of right-back". He has strolled through Old Firm examinations and held his own in pressurised European ties, all while still aged just 19. However, his decision to attend an illegal house party earlier this year may yet kill off his Euros hopes after he was issued with a four-game ban, denying him the chance to boost his meagre reserves of experience before the season ended.

David Turnbull

In a season of darkness and despair for Celtic supporters, the former Motherwell midfielder has been the one shining light. The 21-year-old had been due to join Celtic two years ago – only for his medical to uncover a knee injury which required immediate surgery. His deal was put on hold by 12 months and even when he did put pen to paper on his Hoops deal, then Parkhead boss Neil Lennon seemed reluctant to throw him into action. But as Celtic's bid for 10-in-a-row crumbled, Turnbull was able to emerge through the wreckage with 10 goals and eight assists, earning him the PFA Scotland young player of the year award.

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Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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