Strachan names Scotland squad for World Cup qualifier against Malta

scotlandScotland coach Gordon Strachan named a 27-man squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Malta on 4 September.

Hibernian midfielder John McGinn, Hearts duo Jack Hamilton and Callum Paterson, Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, Nottingham Forest midfielder Oliver Burke and Rangers forward Barrie McKay have stepped up from the Under-21s but there are no places for strikers Ross McCormack and Jordan Rhodes, Hull City winger Shaun Maloney, Rangers left-back Lee Wallace and Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean. Hearts keeper Hamilton and Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald are the only uncapped players in the squad.

McGinn is the only one of eight Scotland-based players playing outside the Premiership. Only six players in the squad are with English Premier League clubs, with 13 playing in the English Championship.

With regular captain Scott Brown announcing his international retirement last week, manager Gordon Strachan is yet to make a decision on a new captain but West Brom midfielder Darren Fletcher is favourite after taking the armband for the matches against Italy and France.

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), Jack Hamilton (Hearts), David Marshall (Cardiff City).

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town), Gordon Greer (Blackburn Rovers), Grant Hanley (Newcastle United), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Callum Paterson (Hearts), Andrew Robertson (Hull City), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ikechi Anya (Watford), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), Oliver Burke (Nottingham Forest), Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion), James Forrest (Celtic), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Hibernian), Barrie McKay (Rangers), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United), Robert Snodgrass (Hull City).

Forwards: Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Chris Martin (Derby County), Steven Naismith (Norwich City)