It was a night to forget for Ipswich Town goalkeeper Cieran Slicker as he made his senior Scotland debut in a challenging 3-1 friendly defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park on Friday, June 6, 2025. The 22-year-old, thrust unexpectedly into the spotlight after an early injury to Angus Gunn, endured a baptism of fire that highlighted the goalkeeper woes facing Scotland ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The match began with a somber moment, a minute's applause honoring former Scottish FA president Jack McGinn, before the drama unfolded rapidly. Just three minutes in, starting goalkeeper Angus Gunn suffered a serious ankle injury while attempting to collect a high cross, forcing him off the field and handing Slicker an unanticipated debut. With Craig Gordon sidelined through injury and Gunn recently released by Norwich City, the goalkeeping situation looked precarious for Scotland.
Slicker's introduction was far from ideal. Within moments of stepping onto the pitch, his under-hit clearance was seized upon by Stefán Teitur Thórdarson, who headed the ball to Andri Gudjohnsen. The son of former Premier League star Eidur Gudjohnsen unleashed a superb left-footed strike from 20 yards that curled into the top right corner, giving Iceland an early lead. It was a harsh welcome to senior international football, and the Tartan Army's patience was tested early on.
Despite this rocky start, Scotland rallied. Ipswich forward George Hirst, making his first start for his country, had a promising chance at 21 minutes, heading over from a John McGinn cross that seemed easier to convert. Moments later, Hirst tested Iceland's goalkeeper Elias Olafsson with a powerful shot tipped over the bar. The pressure paid off when Max Johnston’s pinpoint corner found defender John Souttar, who stooped to head home the equalizer in the 25th minute, restoring hope for the home side.
However, Scotland's defensive frailties soon resurfaced. Just before halftime, chaos ensued from an Iceland corner. The ball ricocheted off Souttar and then midfielder Lewis Ferguson, before Slicker, seemingly misjudging the situation, dove over the ball, allowing it to squirm into the net for an own goal that put Iceland back in front. The sequence drew boos from the home crowd, frustrated by the disarray and the goalkeeper’s mishap.
The second half brought no respite for Slicker. In the 52nd minute, Victor Pálsson met an Albert Gudmundsson free-kick with a header that inexplicably slipped through the goalkeeper's hands, extending Iceland's lead to 3-1. The Tartan Army's sympathy for Slicker waned as ironic cheers greeted his routine saves, reflecting the growing tension and disappointment among supporters.
George Hirst continued to show promise, seeming to score in the 62nd minute after a Scott McTominay shot was parried to his feet by Olafsson. Yet, the joy was short-lived as VAR ruled the effort offside, denying Hirst his first senior international goal. He was substituted six minutes later for Che Adams, having been named Scotland’s man of the match by the BBC Scotland commentary team despite the team's poor overall display.
Manager Steve Clarke, who has now secured only four wins in his last 21 games, must be concerned. His side's performance lacked cohesion, and the goalkeeping crisis remains a significant issue. The current best option, the 42-year-old Craig Gordon, is sidelined through injury, and both Gunn and Slicker have yet to prove themselves as international class. Clarke’s team will have just one more friendly against Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Monday, June 9, 2025, before the crucial World Cup qualifiers kick off in September with away games against Denmark and Belarus.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, Republic of Ireland players Jack Taylor and Dara O’Shea added to their international caps in a 1-1 friendly draw against Senegal. Taylor earned his first start and played 58 minutes before being substituted due to a left knee knock, while O’Shea completed the full 90 minutes. Kasey McAteer gave Ireland an early lead, but Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr equalized late on. Ireland will next face Luxembourg in another friendly on June 10.
In Wales, Ipswich forward Nathan Broadhead was an unused substitute as the Dragons secured a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein in their opening World Cup qualifier in Cardiff. Former Ipswich striker Kieffer Moore, Joe Rodon, and Harry Wilson scored for Wales, who now top Group J ahead of a pivotal clash against Belgium on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Reflecting on the Scotland match, it’s clear that the team faces significant challenges. The defensive errors and goalkeeping struggles underscore a team in transition, searching for stability ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. For Cieran Slicker, the night was a harsh initiation into senior international football, but with time and experience, he may yet develop into a reliable option for Scotland. For now, though, the focus will be on regrouping and improving as the qualifiers loom.
The friendly defeat to Iceland serves as a stark reminder of the work required. Scotland’s hopes of returning to major tournament football hinge on addressing these vulnerabilities swiftly. The upcoming matches, starting with the friendly against Liechtenstein, will be crucial in setting the tone for the months ahead.
