Four friendlies lined up ahead of Nations bid

Scotland are to play a series of friendlies this year as they prepare for the inaugural UEFA Nations League. The Scottish Football Association has announced plans to play four international fixtures in the next six months in what could be Michael O’neill’s first games in charge.

Gordon Strachan departed Hampden in October after failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup, with Northern Ireland boss O’neill believed close to taking the vacant role after Malky Mackay stepped in for the friendly defeat to Holland.

If O’neill does take charge, his first game will be at home to Costa Rica on 23 March – the first time the sides have met for 28 years – before travelling to Budapest to face Hungary four days later. They will then travel to provide Peru with a warm-up for the World Cup on 29 May before taking on Mexico for the first time on 2 June.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “We are delighted to have secured such exciting opposition for our matches and I am looking forward to seeing the team continue on its current upward trajectory.”