Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

James Barker

Sat 30 May 2026 15:02, UK

Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland netted in Scotland’s friendly against Curacao on Saturday, as the two Rangers forwards helped seal a 4-1 Tartan Army win.

With this summer’s World Cup now a matter of weeks away from getting under way, Scotland are ramping up their preparations.

Indeed, this will be the first World Cup that the men’s side have featured in since 1998 in France, where they exited in the group stage that year.

28 years later, however, and the Tartan Army are back in the planet’s biggest feast of footballing action, with Steve Clarke’s men hoping to reach the knockout stages at least this time around.

So, whilst Rangers didn’t enjoy a successful 2025-26 season, the handful of their players who are on the Scotland plane will be hoping that a memorable summer is in store.

Findlay Curtis bags first Scotland goal vs Curacao

2025-26 certainly wasn’t a season to forget for Curtis, with the 19-year-old winger enjoying a very impressive loan spell with Kilmarnock.

He netted five times and provided one assist for Killie during the second half of the season, whilst also scoring three times and registering two assists for Rangers prior to heading out on loan respectively.

As such, the teenager is reportedly catching the eye of clubs across European football, and Rangers are said to have offered Curtis a new contract in order to prevent him from being stolen away from Ibrox this summer.

Selected in Scotland’s World Cup squad, Curtis was named on the bench by Clarke for their friendly game with Curacao at Hampden on Saturday, but it still turned out to be an unforgettable afternoon for the youngster.

After going 1-0 down on 17 minutes, Curacao – who are also going to the World Cup – had Jurgen Locadia sent off just over five minutes before half-time, and Curtis was quick to punish them.

'Could the Scotland supporters have a new hero to worship?'

Findlay Curtis' first goal for Scotland comes just minutes after coming on the park🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/xbOInU6fQ3

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 30, 2026

Taking up a position on the left side of the box, Curtis shot left-footed into the bottom right corner of the net to level things up at 1-1 in the 45th minute, despite having only came on three minutes earlier.

Curtis would also win a penalty for his team in the second half, which Ryan Christie was able to convert with 81 minutes on the clock.

As per FotMob, he also completed 94 per cent of his passes, created one chance, took four touches in the opposition box, completed his only dribble attempt successfully and delivered two accurate crosses respectively.

Lawrence Shankland steals the show to excite Rangers fans

Rangers have already made a statement signing before the summer transfer window has officially opened, and that was to bring Shankland in from Hearts.

The 30-year-old has penned a two-year contract at Ibrox with the option of a third, with his capture already working wonders when it comes to helping Gers fans move on from last season.

Shankland is expected to form a deadly strike partnership alongside Youssef Chermiti, and he showed exactly why he’s been brought to Govan at Hampden.

Indeed, the marksman bagged a second-half brace against Curacao, netting in the 59th and 64th minutes respectively, both of which were scored with his right foot from inside the box.

GOOOAAALL SCOTLAND! A double from No.20 ✌️

Scotland 3-1 Curaçao. #SCOCUW pic.twitter.com/4PjK5dppiF

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) May 30, 2026

He was eventually replaced on 77 minutes, having taken eight touches in the opposition box, registered six shots on goal with four being on target, as well as creating one chance and playing seven passes into the final third.

Shankland was also able to record one tackle and three recoveries, whilst also winning two ground duels and giving away zero fouls.

John Souttar disappoints in Scotland vs Curacao

One Rangers player who didn’t have a strong end to the season was John Souttar, who was an unused substitute for three of his last four Scottish Premiership games he was involved in.

The 29-year-old defender is now facing an uncertain future with Gers, as it remains unclear as to whether Danny Rohl views him as a viable starting option moving forward.

He won’t have helped build his case in that regard on Saturday either, as the centre-back was brought off at half-time as part of five changes Clarke made at the interval.

Your Scotland team taking on Curaçao for our @FIFAWorldCup send-off match this afternoon.#SCOCUW | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/fXsBUbWoza

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) May 30, 2026

Souttar took 58 touches in the first half against Curacao, but made zero tackles, won just one of his three aerial duels, committed one foul and was accurate with four of his seven long ball attempts respectively.

He completed 89 per cent of his passes and made one clearance, interception and recovery, before watching the second half action from the bench.

The Rangers man probably could’ve done more to prevent Curacao’s goal too, as he did show good desire to get back after Scott McKenna was beaten on halfway, but then failed to block Tahith Chong’s effort that beat Craig Gordon.

Tahith Chong gives Curacao the lead at Hampden.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/fZVLlgfpI1

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 30, 2026

Liam Kelly sees late action in Scotland vs Curacao

Meanwhile, there was one other Rangers player involved in the Scotland matchday squad, and that was goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

The 30-year-old, who has reportedly signed a new two-year deal with Gers, came on for the final 13 minutes of the game to replace Gordon.

He was able to keep a clean sheet during his time on the pitch, and was forced into making two diving saves.

Kelly ended the match having made two stops, whilst taking 13 touches of the ball as well as delivering both his lone pass and long ball attempts successfully.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.