Steve Clarke has named his 26-man Scotland squad for this summer's World Cup in the Americas, but the omission of in-form Hull City striker Oli McBurnie has overshadowed the announcement and renewed questions about the head coach's future.
Despite scoring twice as many goals in the Championship as the recalled Ross Stewart, McBurnie was a notable absentee. With Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway ruled out through injury, Clarke turned to Southampton's Stewart, who returns to the national fold after a four-year hiatus, even as his club was expelled from the play-offs for spying.
The snub stung McBurnie further when he revealed he learned of the decision not from Clarke, but from a teammate already selected. 'One of the lads in the squad messaged me this morning,' he said, explaining he had 'not heard anything' directly from the manager. The 29-year-old admitted it had 'been tough' after trying 'everything I could' to force his way back in.
Clarke, for his part, bristled at the public airing of their previous private conversation. 'I thought that was a private conversation, to be honest. It shouldn't have gone to the media,' he said. When pressed on a possible personality clash, Clarke reiterated his philosophy: 'You know the way I work - I tend to stick with players that I've had before. I trust them, they know what I expect from them and that's it. It's just a natural selection process, natural in my head anyway, maybe not natural in everybody else's.'
The loyalty to familiar faces has been a hallmark of Clarke's tenure, but the McBurnie case highlights the tension between trust and current form. Stewart's inclusion, despite playing far fewer minutes and scoring fewer goals this season, suggests established relationships carry significant weight. Yet the door hasn't completely closed—McBurnie will have an immediate chance to strengthen his case when Hull face Middlesbrough in Saturday's Championship play-off final, a fixture altered after Southampton's spectacular expulsion.
That play-off final now carries extra intrigue. With Stewart's club sidelined by disciplinary action, the spotlight falls on McBurnie to deliver when it matters most. A standout performance could make Clarke's decision look premature, especially if Scotland's attack sputters in the World Cup. Conversely, a quiet afternoon might vindicate the manager's judgment.
Amid the squad drama, Clarke also addressed his own future. The 62-year-old is out of contract after the tournament and had previously indicated he wanted clarity before the team departs. 'Hopefully, yes, that would be the plan. I'm pretty sure it will be,' he said when asked if the situation would be resolved in time. Clarke has been in charge for seven years, guiding Scotland to major tournaments, but the pressure to perform in the Americas could determine whether he stays or goes.
The uncertainty over the coaching position adds a layer of complexity to Scotland's preparations. Players might wonder who will be leading them beyond the summer, while the Scottish FA balances continuity against potential fresh approaches. Clarke's focus remains on the immediate task, but his cryptic remarks—'there will be plenty of time to talk about me, for good or for bad'—suggest a resolution is imminent, for better or worse.
Tactically, Stewart's recall offers a different option up front: a physical presence and aerial threat that may complement Clarke's preferred style. McBurnie, also strong in the air but arguably more mobile, has been in prolific form for Hull. The decision forces Scotland to rely on Stewart's past contributions rather than current Championship numbers—a gamble that could define the team's goal-scoring potential.
For supporters, the McBurnie omission will spark debate. Social media reactions have already questioned the meritocracy of the selection, especially given McBurnie's five-year absence from the national set-up had been broken by a personal call to Clarke earlier this year. That the call's contents leaked only underscores the fragile relationship between player and manager.
As the World Cup looms, Clarke's Scotland must find unity and sharpness. The controversy over one man's place may galvanise the squad—or expose cracks. With the manager's future hanging in the balance, every decision is amplified. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.