UEFA to consider increasing Euro 2024 squad sizes at meeting next month

Scotland boss Steve Clarke could be handed more flexibility when choosing what players to take to Germany as UEFA consider expanding the squad sizes from 23 to 26.

The game’s governing body in Europe will consider a possible increase for Euro 2024 at a meeting next month.

That could be good news for some of the players on the fringes of the squad currently unsure if they will make the trip or not.

Clarke named 25 players in his most recent squad for the games against Northern Ireland and The Netherlands, but that never included injured first-team stars such as Callum McGregor and Aaron Hickey.

Other squad regulars including Ryan Jack and Jacob Brown also missed out through injury meaning if they all returned in time for the championships then some would be facing a sweat to see who made the cut.

But if the available positions are increased by three then it could possible ease some of the worries of those on the fringes.

Incidentally the last time Scotland reached a major championships, for Euro 2020 that was played a year later due to the Covid-19 pandemic, squad numbers were increased to 26 for the first time in a temporary move.

That allowed Clarke to bring in youngsters such as Billy Gilmour who went to play in the 0-0 draw against England and is now a mainstay in the side.

A number of coaches throughout the continent have called on UEFA to increase the number of players each country is allowed to take to championships once again.

The meeting will be part of a wider finalists’ workshop on April 8 and 9 in Dusseldorf,

And it is a move that, if it comes to fruition, will likely be welcomed by the Scotland squad as he prepares to make some tough decisions in the months ahead.

Scotland play Finland and Gibraltar in their last two friendlies in early June, a week before they play the hosts in Munich.