Scotland face Belarus in crucial World Cup qualifying clash at Hampden Park
Scotland prepare for a pivotal Group C showdown against Belarus at Hampden Park, Glasgow, with a mix of fresh youth calls and established experience. The match, part of the World Cup qualifying campaign, kicks off on Sunday at 17:00 BST and will be shown live on BBC Scotland, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Fans can also follow minute-by-minute updates on the BBC Sport website and app, with radio coverage from BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Nan Gaidheal.
Aaron Hickey missing through injury; two debutants called up
Scotland have confirmed that Aaron Hickey will miss Sunday’s game after sustaining a knock. The Brentford full-back limped off in the late stages of the previous match and was already a doubt for the encounter, with manager Steve Clarke suggesting the injury may have been aggravated. In response, Clarke has named two fresh faces among the replacements to bolster the squad: Josh Mulligan and Connor Barron.
Josh Mulligan is 22 and earns his first senior call-up after making a strong impression following his summer move from Dundee to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. His elevation to the national team marks a notable step in his development, and his energy in midfield could offer Clarke a different dynamic as Scotland chase three points against Belarus.
Connor Barron of Rangers is 23 and has one senior cap, earned as a substitute in the June friendly win over Liechtenstein. Barron’s arrival adds further midfield depth, and he will be looking to seize the opportunity to push for more involvement as the campaign progresses.
Suspensions spark changes in the midfield plans
The call-ups come as Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) and Ryan Christie (AFC Bournemouth) serve suspensions after bookings in Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Greece at Hampden Park. Clarke’s decision to replace them with Mulligan and Barron reflects his readiness to rotate the squad while maintaining competitiveness in a key qualifier.
Clarke said after the Greece win that Hickey was a doubt going into the match due to a knee knock. The injury news was quicker to surface, with the Scotland boss confirming the defender would miss the Belarus game. Max Johnston of Derby County had already been named as cover, underscoring Clarke’s plan to have options ready for the hectic schedule ahead.
What this means for Scotland’s World Cup qualifying bid
Scotland’s hopes in Group C rest on securing results at home and away, and the Belarus fixture is an important test. The absence of Hickey means a potential reshuffle at full-back or midfield, depending on Clarke’s tactical approach. The inclusion of Mulligan and Barron signals a blend of youth and potential potential contribution from players looking to leave a mark on the big stage. Betting patterns and pundit forecasts will be watching closely to see how Scotland adapt without Hickey’s attacking width and ball progression from full-back.
What to watch for on matchday
Key storylines include how Mulligan performs in his first senior call-up, whether Barron can translate his club form into international impact, and how Scotland’s midfield balance holds without the suspended starters. Belarus, while possibly disciplined defensively, will look to exploit any gaps in transition and test the resilience of a Scotland squad hungry to consolidate its campaign.
Where to follow the action
Fans can watch the live coverage on BBC Scotland, BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer, while commentary and updates will stream on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Nan Gaidheal. For those following online, live text updates, in-play clips and social discussion are available on the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the World Cup qualifying excitement at Hampden Park.
