Why Findlay Curtis has a lot to play for with Scotland after Rangers opportunity emerges

Rangers' Findlay Curtis has been called up for Sebastien Pogcognoli's first Scotland squad.

Scottish football is ushering in a new era under the former Belgian international following Steve Clarke's decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup.

Curtis had just been starting to forge his way into the national team, and the change of manager may have been worrying him.

New faces will have different ideas of how to play, and the type of profiles they want to utilise.

However, Curtis has had nothing to worry about so far, as he is set for another chance to shine for Scotland.

And this represents an important opportunity for the 20-year-old in more ways than just his international career.

Why Findlay Curtis needs to take Scotland chance

Rangers went heavy in the wide forward market this summer, which may limit Curtis' minutes at Ibrox this season.

The Gers brought Daisuke Yokota, Minsu Kim and Badredine Bouanani to Glasgow, while Djeidi Gassama was already at Rangers.

With a fully fit squad of options, Derek McInnes is left with five first-team wingers, and space for just two of them to play each game.

Competition can breed success and Curtis is already feeling the threat of a lack of minutes.

The Auchenhowie academy graduate has failed to start any of the last two games since McInnes' squad was set in stone.

However, with Yokota picking up a groin injury, keeping him out for two to three months, the path has been left with an easier route due to one less player to compete with.

With the call-up to Scotland, if Curtis can impress on the international stage, McInnes may have no choice but to take notice.

And on his return, he could begin to try to cement a more regular starting role. It is a significant opportunity for Curtis.

Do Rangers have any more notable inclusions in Scotland's squad?

Rangers will want to have a strong contigent of Scottish players being called up.

But at the moment, that is far from the case for the 55-time league champions.

Alongside Curtis, Rangers have just one further player that has made Pocgonoli's inaugaral squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Liam Kelly is one of four goalkeepers called up, but the Rangers backup is unlikely to feature over the break.

With him operating as either second or third choice behind Angus Gunn.