UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier
Norway v Scotland
Saturday, 17 June 2023 (kick-off 5pm - UK time)
Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
Scotland will be looking to build on their impressive start to their UEFA EURO 2024 qualification campaign on Saturday, when they travel to Oslo to face Norway.
Steve Clarke’s side began the campaign with back-to-back victories at Hampden Park in March. Scott McTominay grabbed a brace and John McGinn was on target as Cyprus were defeated in the opener. Midfielder McTominay remarkably repeated the feat three days later as Spain were overcome 2-0 on an epic night at a raucous National Stadium.
It was an ideal start but Scotland will be know that they will need to be at their best once again on Saturday, with Norway set to present a tough challenge in Oslo.
Team News
The squad is boosted by the return of Jack Hendry, who missed the games in March through injury, while John Souttar and Kevin Nisbet are also back amongst the group
They have both recovered from respective injuries, with Souttar last in the Scotland squad a year ago and Nisbet back in the fold for the first time since 2021.
Anthony Ralston was forced to withdraw from the original squad and he was replaced by Ross McCrorie.
Pre-match thoughts
Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor sat down with us this week on his 30th birthday, to reflect on his international career to date and look ahead to Saturday’s match.
He said: “I think you just get used to these life events that you’re spending them in football! I think my last two birthdays I’ve spent on the pitch for Scotland so you just get used to it.
“But it’s always good to be busy and representing the national team, there’s no better way to be spending your birthday.
The midfielder reached the milestone of his 50th cap against Cyprus in March and he admitted the time has flown by since he made his Scotland debut in 2017.
He added: “It feels like only ten minutes ago I made my debut. It’s been incredible and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“When you do something you like as a job it doesn’t really feel like work. It’s something you love, it’s a passion and something I’m really proud to be able to do everyday.”
You can watch the interview in full below:
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers
Zander Clark Heart of Midlothian
Angus Gunn Norwich City
Liam Kelly Motherwell
Defenders
Liam Cooper Leeds United
Jack Hendry Club Brugge
Aaron Hickey Brentford
Dominic Hyam Blackburn Rovers
Ross McCrorie Bristol City
Nathan Patterson* Everton
Ryan Porteous Watford
Andy Robertson Liverpool
John Souttar Rangers
Greg Taylor Celtic
Kieran Tierney Arsenal
Midfielders
Stuart Armstrong Southampton
Billy Gilmour* Brighton
Lewis Ferguson Bologna
Ryan Jack Rangers
John McGinn Aston Villa
Callum McGregor Celtic
Kenny McLean Norwich City
Scott McTominay Manchester United
Forwards
Ryan Christie Bournemouth
Lyndon Dykes Queens Park Rangers
Kevin Nisbet Hibernian
Lawrence Shankland Heart of Midlothian
*Denotes Scottish FA JD Performance School graduate