Scrambling for your Scottish football fix now that Steve Clarke's men are out of Euro 2024? No need to fret - the Copa America is here and it is packed with footballers who are plying their trade in the Scottish Premiership.
Whether you're trying to avoid reliving the pain of THAT Kevin Csoboth goal, or eager to keep an eye on some of your team’s favourite players past or present, we've got you covered on who to watch and where to tune in.
Let’s start…
Canada
They may have battled in the Scottish Premiership this season, but Celtic's Alistair Johnston and Motherwell's Theo Bair are set to join forces at the Copa America, as their nation makes its debut in the tournament.
Johnston will be patrolling the opposite flank from Bayern Munich defender, Alphonso Davies, while Bair looks to challenge for a spot up front against the likes of Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. The Canadians face a tough group, featuring World Champions Argentina, last tournament’s finalists, Peru, and Chile.
Unfortunately for the interest of Dons fans, despite his Pittodrie contract nearing its end, Junior Hoillett has been left out of the Canadian squad. Despite his impressive form for Aberdeen at the end of last season and an impressive record of 16 goals and 18 assists in 63 caps for Canada, the 34-year-old was overlooked by new Canadian coach Jesse Marsch - a name familiar to Celtic fans, given the coach has been linked with vacancies at Parkhead for a number of years
USA
Arguably the best defender in the Scottish Premiership, Cameron Carter-Vickers is aiming to lead his national team deep into the final rounds of the Copa America. The 26-year-old, who qualifies for the USA through his father, former NBA player Howard Carter of the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks, is set to make his tournament debut after his role has grown since his appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
With other familiar names to Scottish football fans, such as ex-Celtic loanee Timothy Weah and former Rangers favourite Malik Tillman in Gregg Berhalter’s 26-man squad, there will be plenty to pique the interest of those at home following the United States.
Ecuador
A significant portion of the Ibrox faithful may have written off Jose Cifuentes' future at Rangers all together, but the midfielder may view this tournament as one last chance to impress Philippe Clement to secure his place at the club.
The 25-year-old was one of Michael Beale's 11 signings, arriving at Ibrox with a great deal of hype and excitement after his move was finally secured from LAFC, but the Ecuadorian has struggled to meet expectations, leading Clement to decide that his immediate future lay away from Glasgow.
Facing Venezuela, Jamaica, and Mexico, Rangers fans may want to keep an eye on Cifuentes, if any fans out there hold onto the faint hope that he can still make an impact and remain at the club.
Jamaica
He expressed an eagerness to stay at Hearts beyond his loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Dexter Lembikisa may view this tournament as another chance to impress and secure a return to Tynecastle next season.
The 20-year-old scored for Steven Naismith’s side in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rangers on the final day of the season. Now, he aims to continue his form into the Copa America, where he will face Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico.
Lembikisa made his mark with Jamaica by scoring his first international goal in a victory over Panama in March 2024 which helped his team clinch third place in the Concacaf Nations League. However, Lembikisa and the Jamaicans will face a significant battle at this years Copa America, having never won a game in their previous two group stage appearances in the tournament.
Costa Rica
Hearts fans will undoubtedly have their eyes fixed on more than one familiar name during the tournament as Kenneth Vargas, a beloved figure among supporters at Tynecastle, is gearing up to make his mark for Costa Rica in what is potentially the toughest group of the competition.
Vargas, who bagged with nine goals and four assists for Hearts last season is a fan-favourite of the Gorgie faithful, particularly after his commitment to Steven Naismith’s squad was solidified when he made his loan move permanent earlier this year, cementing his long-term future with the club.
At just 22 years old, Vargas faces a huge challenge in Group D, where he will go head-to-head with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Co in what looks like a daunting Brazilian side, as well as Paraguay and Colombia who complete the makeup of Group D.
