If you’re Scottish, operating at a high level and hovering on the fringes of the national team, the focus between now and the end of the season is simple – book your place on that plane to the USA.

Whether that’s by driving your club towards silverware, battling to beat the drop or simply maintaining consistency, every minute counts. Opportunities to feature on football’s biggest stage don’t come around often for Scotland.

But for some of Steve Clarke’s regulars and World Cup hopefuls, that dream is tinged with uncertainty.

Six players who could be involved this summer could well be on the lookout for new clubs over the coming weeks as their deals wind down. Here, Record Sport takes a closer look at their situations.

Andy Robertson

The Scotland skipper will pull down the curtain on a remarkable nine years at Liverpool this summer.

The two-time Premier League winner has won it all at Anfield, counting the 2018/19 Champions League among his nine major honours at Anfield.

Arguably the greatest left-back in EPL history, Robertson announced earlier this month that he’d be moving on after falling out of favour under Arne Slot.

(Image: Getty Images)

It’s understood Robbo has a verbal agreement to join Spurs – if the North Londoners avoid relegation.

The lifelong Celtic fan has also been linked with an emotional return to Parkhead – 16 years after being released as a kid.

Jack Hendry

It’s believed the 37-times capped defender is poised to leave Al-Ettifaq this summer after three seasons in Saudi Arabia.

The ex-Celtic and Dundee man – brought to Saudi by Steven Gerrard – will become a free agent and could be tempted back to Europe.

Hendry is unlikely to be short of offers and can perhaps afford to be picky after making serious money during his stint in the Middle East.

Craig Gordon

Veteran keeper Gordon will become the second-oldest man to play at a World Cup if he makes an appearance for Scotland this summer.

The 43-year-old has been out of action with a serious shoulder injury for the past three months but is expected to recover in time for the showpiece tournament.

Gordon will almost certainly be guaranteed a seat on the plane to the USA if he can prove his fitness. But will it be a career swansong?

The shotstopper is out of contract this summer and last played for the title-chasing Jambos in a 2-2 draw with Celtic at Tynecastle on January 25.

Angus Gunn

Gunn may rue the decision to leave Norwich City last summer.

The 30-year-old penned a one-year deal with Nottingham Forest but has featured just once for the Premier League side.

Had he been playing regular football, the son of ex-Scotland international Bryan would probably heading to the World Cup as No1.

He could yet be handed the gloves if Gordon suffers a setback in his recovery.

And that could help put him in the shop window as he looks set to leave the City Ground on a free transfer.

Liam Kelly

Back-up Rangers shotstopper Kelly also faces an uncertain future, although it’s believed Danny Rohl is keen to tie him down on a new deal.

The Scotland squad man has been restricted to just three club appearances this term and has interest from clubs in Europe and America.

However, the 30-year-old is seen as an important character at Ibrox, is home-grown and fits the club’s academy-trained criteria.

Ross Stewart

Stewart missed out on a recall for the recent double-header against Japan and Ivory Coast – a decision that puzzled the Tartan Army.

The striker has rediscovered his scoring touch with Southampton after a difficult year with injury.

(Image: Southampton FC via Getty Images)

Stewart, 29, has netted five times in his last 10 outings – including FA Cup goals against Arsenal and Fulham.

With Steve Clarke lacking a proven goalscorer, Stewart could yet force himself back into contention if he stays fit – and continues his prolific spell.

His St Mary’s deal expires at the end of the season, although Saints have the option of a 12-month extension.