Steve Clarke has named his squad for the final two fixtures of 2019, with the side aiming to secure third place in their qualification group and prepare for the crucial UEFA EURO 2020 play-offs in March.

Scotland face a trip to take on Cyprus on Saturday, 16 November, before wrapping up Group I with their first ever home clash against Kazakhstan on Tuesday, 19 November.

Following the team’s last outing, which saw them rack up six goals against San Marino, Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna returns to boost the side’s defensive options after missing the last two squads through injury.

McKenna is joined by Motherwell’s Declan Gallagher, who retains his spot in the absence of the injured Charlie Mulgrew.

John Fleck, Scott McTominay and Kenny McLean all make the squad having impressed in the Premier League this season, while John McGinn will be hoping to add to his goal tally after his first-half hat trick against San Marino.

Stuart Armstrong, who scored a spectacular free kick in the last match at Hampden, joins them in the midfield department alongside Celtic duo Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor. Rangers’ Ryan Jack and Hearts’ Steven Naismith are also included after being forced to miss the October fixtures due to injury.

Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland retains his place after scoring in the 6-0 victory over San Marino. The striker has netted 15 goals already at club level this term.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers
Craig MacGillivray (Portsmouth)
David Marshall (Wigan Athletic)
Jon McLaughlin (Sunderland)

Defenders
Liam Cooper (Leeds United)
Michael Devlin (Aberdeen)
Declan Gallagher (Motherwell)
Scott McKenna (Aberdeen)
Stephen O’Donnell (Kilmarnock)
Liam Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday)
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders
Stuart Armstrong (Southampton)
Ryan Christie (Celtic)
John Fleck (Sheffield United)
Ryan Jack (Rangers)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Callum McGregor (Celtic)
Kenny McLean (Norwich City)
Scott McTominay (Manchester United)

Forwards
Oliver Burke (Alaves)*
James Forrest (Celtic)
Ryan Fraser (AFC Bournemouth)
Oliver McBurnie (Sheffield United)
Steven Naismith (Hearts)
Lawrence Shankland (Dundee United)

* On loan from West Bromwich Albion