Is Hickey Set to Make a Comeback for Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers?

Scotland's national football team is preparing for the World Cup qualifying matches, marking the return of Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey to the squad after nearly two years. Hickey's last appearance for Scotland was during a 2-0 defeat against Spain on 12 October 2023. The upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Belarus will be crucial for Scotland as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

Aaron Hickey returns to the Scotland squad after a lengthy absence.
Scotland will face Denmark and Belarus in World Cup qualifying matches.
Only the group winners are guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Several players are making comebacks after injury, including Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes.
Scotland aims to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Aaron Hickey: A Long-Awaited Return

After being sidelined for 659 days, Aaron Hickey's comeback to the Scotland national team is a significant boost. His recent appearances in the Premier League signal his recovery and readiness to contribute on the international stage. Hickey has been a promising talent since his youth and now, at just 23 years old, he has the opportunity to showcase his skills again.

World Cup Qualifying Context

The qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup are critical for Scotland, particularly as they have not qualified for a World Cup since 1998. Group C, which includes Denmark and Belarus, will challenge the team as they seek to climb to the top position. The structure of the qualifying rounds implies that only the top team from each group will secure automatic entry into the tournament, heightening the stakes for these matches.

Squad Overview

Manager Steve Clarke has announced a squad that features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, signalling a strategic approach to the upcoming matches. With several players returning from injury, competition for starting positions is likely to be fierce.

Goalkeepers

Zander Clark (Heart of Midlothian)
Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest)
Liam Kelly (Rangers)

Clark is favoured to start, especially given Gunn and Kelly's limited playing time this season. This selection highlights the importance of match fitness in international play.

Defenders

Grant Hanley (Hibernian)
Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq)
Aaron Hickey (Brentford)
Dominic Hyam (Blackburn Rovers)
Anthony Johnston (Sturm Graz)
Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb)
Alistair Ralston (Celtic)
Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Harry Souttar (Rangers)
Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

The defensive lineup includes well-established players like Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney. Hickey's inclusion adds further depth, especially considering his Premier League experience.

Midfielders

Ryan Christie (Bournemouth)
Jude Ferguson (Bologna)
Ben Gannon Doak (Bournemouth)
Billy Gilmour (Napoli)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Steven McLean (Norwich City)
Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Lennon Miller (Udinese)

The midfield brigade is particularly noteworthy, with four out of eight players currently playing in Serie A. This international exposure can enhance the team's overall performance.

Forwards

Che Adams (Torino)
Kieron Bowie (Hibernian)
Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City)
George Hirst (Ipswich Town)

Adams, who plays in Italy, brings valuable experience to the attack, while Bowie is looking to build on his debut performance. Dykes is also a crucial figure, having a significant impact in previous matches.

Upcoming Matches: A Critical Test

The matches against Denmark on 5 September and Belarus three days later will be key to Scotland's ambitions. Denmark, ranked highly in international football, will provide a tough challenge. Scotland's ability to secure points against them will be a litmus test for their World Cup qualification hopes.

Challenges Ahead for Scotland

With only one guaranteed place from Group C for the World Cup, Scotland faces a formidable task. The team must not only perform well against Denmark and Belarus but also secure additional points in future matches against Greece, another strong competitor in the group.

Conclusion: The Road to the World Cup

The coming weeks will be pivotal for Scotland's aspirations in the World Cup qualifiers. With a blend of returning players and emerging talents, the squad looks poised to give their all. The journey to the World Cup is long, but with determination and skill, Scotland can aim for a successful campaign. Will they rise to the occasion and finally end their World Cup drought?

#ScotlandFootball #WorldCup2026 #AaronHickey

FAQs

When did Aaron Hickey last play for Scotland?

Aaron Hickey last played for Scotland on 12 October 2023 in a match against Spain, which ended in a 2-0 defeat.

What are the upcoming fixtures for Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers?

Scotland's upcoming fixtures include matches against Denmark on 5 September and Belarus three days later.

How many players are returning from injury for Scotland?

Several players, including Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak, and Lyndon Dykes, are returning to the squad after significant injury breaks.

What is at stake for Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers?

Only the group winners are guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup, making these qualifying matches critical for Scotland's ambitions.

When was the last time Scotland qualified for a World Cup?

Scotland has not qualified for the World Cup since 1998, making this campaign particularly significant for the national team.