UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier
Scotland v Cyprus
Saturday, 25 March 2023 (kick-off 2pm)
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Cyprus are the visitors to Hampden Park on Saturday as we kick off our UEFA EURO 2024 Group A qualification campaign.
It’s the first time Steve Clarke and his squad have been in competitive action since the dogged 0-0 draw against Ukraine last September that secured promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League – banking a UEFA EURO 2024 play-off spot in the process.
Excitement is building, with only a limited number of tickets left if you’d still like to be part of a packed-out National Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
There were two new faces in training this week at Lesser Hampden.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn – son of former Scotland shot-stopper Bryan – has been rewarded for his consistent form with Norwich City with a first call-up.
Angus – who boasts the highest save percentage in the English Championship this season – will compete with Liam Kelly and Zander Clarke for the chance to replace the injured Craig Gordon.
He also took time out to speak to the Scotland media team – offering an insight into the conversation with Steve Clarke that sparked the call-up.
Dom Hyam is no stranger to international duty with Scotland, having featured for the Under-19s and Under-21s in the past, but the 27-year-old Blackburn centre-back was thrilled to get a first invitation to join up with the senior squad.
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Ryan Porteous was a rock at the heart of the defence that earned Scotland a draw against Ukraine and, with it, top spot in our UEFA Nations League group and a UEFA EURO 2024 play-off place.
It was the then-Hibernian defender’s full international debut and he’s determined to pick up where he left off – having returned to international duty this week on the back of some fine showings for new club Watford.
He said: “I was speaking about it to my dad the other day. It was the best day of my life, the best day of my career and it’s that kind of feeling that I’ve been chasing for the last six months.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to do it, so now I’m back in the camp I’m getting that buzz again and hopefully there will be opportunities over the next couple of games.
“It was a long time coming. I had been called up to quite a few camps before then. I always had that faith that the manager would chuck me in, with the conversations I had with him. He had no hesitation, no doubts and it was a great feeling.
“The lads did a lot before we went into that game, needing only a point, but it was a great experience.
“I have been chasing the next cap. The feeling I had on the pitch, I hadn’t had that before and it is something I want. I dreamed about getting that first cap and I’m hungry for more.
“Hopefully it puts my hat into the ring and shows I can be trusted on the big stage, but there is a very talented group here, a lot of good defenders, and the main target is getting points on the board, no matter what team is selected.
“I just want to put myself in contention for a start. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll be ready if called upon.”
WHERE TO WATCH
If you can’t be with us in Glasgow, the match is being shown live, exclusively on Viaplay – with coverage starting from 1.30pm. You’ll find all your need-to-know details here.
MATCH PROGRAMME
Our match programme is on sale now online and can be purchased directly from Ignition Sports Media - in addition to being available on the day at Hampden Park.
It's one of five this year that has a themed fold-out cover section around the Scottish FA's 150th anniversary.
Cover star Callum McGregor is in line to win his 50th cap, while there are exclusive chats with John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson.
FORZA SCOZIA
Get yourself in the mood for this international break with our new documentary, Forza Scozia.
We spent eight days in Italy with four Scots flying the flag for their country in style.
You'll learn all about Christy Grimshaw, Josh Doig, Lana Clelland and Lewis Ferguson's highs and lows as they get to grips with a new culture on and off the pitch.