Findlay Curtis: Scotland’s Surprise Weapon at the World Cup | OneFootball

In Scotland’s penultimate friendly before the World Cup, Curaçao were the opponents at Hampden Park.

Things didn’t quite to go plan over the first 40 minutes or so, as a well-taken goal by Curaçao’s Tahith Chong gave the Caribbean nation a shock lead.

Matters appeared to go from bad to worse for Scotland as Billy Gilmour was forced off just before the break (his injury would later rule him out of the tournament, yet another blow). Replacing Gilmour was youngster Findlay Curtis.

It took just three minutes for the winger to demonstrate his enormous talents, scoring the equalizer with a lovely left-footed effort into the far corner. His first two touches were to control the ball before firing home.

Talk about an immediate impact! Curtis looked lively throughout the rest of the game and he might well have given Clarke plenty to ponder ahead of the friendly against Bolivia on Saturday.

His decision to select the 19-year-old could prove to be a masterstroke this summer.

Findlay Curtis deserves his World Cup selection

Curtis is a product of the Rangers academy, and made his first-team debut in January 2025. Since then, he was given the chance to shine under Russell Martin during the first few weeks of the 2025/26 campaign. He scored his debut goal against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier in his first appearance of the season.

The winger scored another two goals before the end of August and it looked as though he was going to enjoy a breakout season at the Light Blues.

From September to January, though, Curtis saw his opportunities limited, with new manager Danny Rohl preferring more experienced players in his side.

A loan move to Kilmarnock was completed during the winter transfer window and under the leadership of former Rangers wideman, Neil McCann, Curtis began to showcase some consistency.

Not only did he score five goals and register an assist, but the Scot started 13 of his 14 games across his loan spell with Killie.

As such, when compared to his peers, the winger ranked in the top 5% for goals, shots and touches in the opposition penalty area. Not bad for a teenager.

He has clearly translated his Premiership form onto the international stage. The question is, how often will Clarke use him in North America over the next few weeks?

Scotland must take some risks at the World Cup

If Scotland are to make the knockout stages of the World Cup for the very first time, a few gambles will have to be made.

The opening game against Haiti offers the perfect chance for Clarke and his side to not only get off to a flyer, but to score a few goals as well.

Given that, unleashing Lawrence Shankland – scorer of two goals against Curaçao – in a lone striker role, while being flanked by Curtis and Ben Gannon-Doak, could be the best way to go.

Far too often in the past have Scotland played it safe in major tournaments. Just look at the Hungary match from Euro 2024 as a key example.

Curtis may be raw and inexperienced at this level. That, however, could play right into Scotland’s hands during the group stage.

He took his opportunity against Curacao last weekend, which could lead to a start against Bolivia on Saturday evening.

Impress in that game and Curtis has every chance of securing a spot in the starting XI for the clash against Haiti in Boston.

Whatever happens, the youngster is the future of the Scotland national team. That much is certain.