Steve Clarke's Scotland Euro 2024 injury strain set to ease as first step taken towards coveted rule change

Steve Clarke's Euro 2024 injury worries could be eased after a helpful rule change was reportedly voted through.

The Scotland boss will be without crocked Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson for this summer's finals in Germany, while he is sweating on the fitness of Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Stuart Armstrong. Hopes are high that Hickey will be fit enough to be named in Clarke's squad, although Patterson and Armstrong's chances seem less positive after picking up serious injuries for Everton and Southampton in their respective battles for survival and promotion.

But the strain on the Scots could be eased slightly with squad size set to be increased. National bosses had petitioned UEFA to allow them to call up 26 names rather than the more restrictive pool of 23. And now French publication L'Equipe claims that UEFA's National Team Competitions Committee voted exactly that rule change through by a majority earlier on Monday.

It won't be rubber stamped until the European governing body's Executive Committee gives it the thumbs up. But it's a welcome first step for Clarke, who can give himself some much needed extra cover.

The Scots take centre stage on June 14 when they kick off the tournament against the hosts. The it's Switzerland on June 19 before rounding off the group stage against Hungary on June 23, which hopefully won't be the signal for the Tartan Army to head home.