Aaron Hickey Returns to Scotland Squad Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Aaron Hickey has been called up to the Scotland national team for the first time in nearly two years as the World Cup qualifying campaign commences with matches against Denmark and Belarus next month.
The 23-year-old Brentford full-back has made two substitute appearances in the Premier League recently, having been sidelined since October 2023.
His last international appearance dates back to the same month, marking a significant return to the squad.
Alongside Hickey, Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon Doak, and Lyndon Dykes are also making comebacks following lengthy injury absences.
Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark is expected to take the starting position, as both Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly have yet to play this season for Nottingham Forest and Rangers, respectively.
Blackburn Rovers defender Dominic Hyam, who has one cap from a late substitute appearance in June 2023, has been recalled by manager Steve Clarke. Teenager Lennon Miller, now with Udinese, also retains his spot after participating in friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein this summer.
The inclusion of the 18-year-old means that four of the eight midfielders named in the squad are currently playing in Serie A.
Scotland will face Denmark on September 5, followed by a match in Belarus three days later. Greece is also part of Group C.
Only the group winners will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as Scotland aims to qualify for the first time since 1998.
Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway has not been included in the squad, alongside other notable omissions such as Greg Taylor, Josh Doig, James Wilson, Nathan Patterson, and Ryan Porteous.
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers: Clark (Heart of Midlothian), Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Hanley (Hibernian), Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Hickey (Brentford), Hyam (Blackburn Rovers), Johnston (Sturm Graz), McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Ralston (Celtic), Robertson (Liverpool), Souttar (Rangers), Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Christie (Bournemouth), Ferguson (Bologna), Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Gilmour (Napoli), McGinn (Aston Villa), McLean (Norwich City), McTominay (Napoli), Miller (Udinese)
Forwards: Adams (Torino), Bowie (Hibernian), Dykes (Birmingham City), Hirst (Ipswich Town)