Scotland v Japan LIVE: Tommy Conway handed pre-World Cup audition in Hampden friendly

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The Independent

·28 March 2026

Scotland v Japan LIVE: Tommy Conway handed pre-World Cup audition in Hampden friendly

Steve Clarke’s side are playing their first game since sealing qualification last November (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Scotland begin their countdown to the World Cup as they host Japan at Hampden in their first friendly since qualifying for this summer’s tournament.

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The heartbreak suffered by Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup play-offs this week underlined Scotland’s rare opportunity after Steve Clarke’s side qualified automatically for the tournament for the first time since 1998 thanks to their memorable victory over Denmark in November.

Scotland have been drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti at the World Cup, as the bid to advance from the group stages of a major tournament for the first time, and the Tartan Army have arranged fixtures against Japan and the Ivory Coast this March to help their build-up.

Clarke has named a settled squad for the two games, but Scotland will be without goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, due to a shoulder injury. The Hearts veteran has not featured since January, with deputy Angus Gunn also playing just 45 minutes for Nottingham Forest since October.

McLean: 'It’s about us players doing as much as we can'

"It’s good to be back at Hampden and it’s always one we look forward to because it’s a long break since the last camp,” says Kenny McLean to BBC Scotland.

"I’m sure the fans will be glad to be back as well. There’s always an excitement about the place when we meet up and it’s been good to see the lads again.

"It’s been a good week’s training and we’ve been preparing very well for this game. We look forward to tonight.

"It’s preparation for the summer so obviously the manager might look at one or two things across the next couple of games," he said.

"So it’s about us players doing as much as we can to make sure we are right for the summer. We’ll do as much as we can, like we have done all week.

"There’s a lot of excitement and optimism around the country and it’s the same with us players as well.

"The last time we saw the fans they were going mental in this place. It might not be as loud tonight but hopefully we can give them something to cheer about,” he added.