Alex MacQuoid
Scotland have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with attacker Tommy Conway reportedly ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury requiring surgery. Steve Clarke is set to announce his squad on Tuesday for the Tartan Army‘s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
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As reported by The Northern Echo, Conway will not be part of the 26-player travelling group after scans confirmed the need for an operation that will sideline him until next season. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s defeat to Southampton in the second leg of the Championship playoff semi-final, where the 23-year-old was visibly distressed as he was withdrawn from the pitch.
Middlesbrough and Scotland Both Feel the Impact
Middlesbrough are now awaiting clarity on whether Southampton face expulsion from the Championship playoffs, a decision that could place them into the final against Hull City on a date yet to be confirmed. For Scotland, the loss of Conway carries real weight, as he was in contention to start the opening World Cup fixture against Haiti.
Conway had not missed a single Championship fixture this season, registering 13 goals and five assists from 48 appearances. Despite having no goals across eight international caps, his positional versatility and involvement in both March friendlies kept him firmly in Clarke‘s plans as an attacking option.
Who Could Fill the Void in Clarke’s Squad?
With Conway out, several players who missed the last Scotland squad will be tracking Tuesday’s announcement with renewed interest. Bournemouth winger Ben Doak is one name in the frame, though he has only managed 20 minutes across three matches since returning from a hamstring injury sustained in November.
Lawrence Shankland has been in strong form for Hearts, scoring five goals in seven appearances since the March international break, and makes a credible case for inclusion. Forward Che Adams is also seen as a player capable of dropping into the deeper role that Conway may have occupied.
Both Shankland and Doak could plausibly earn call-ups as Clarke reconfigures his options for what will be Scotland‘s first World Cup campaign in 28 years. Follow TipsGG for full squad announcement coverage and match previews as the tournament approaches.