Scotland to face Ivory Coast at Everton's stadium

Steve Clarke's Scotland will face the Ivory Coast for the first time at English top-flight club Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 31 March as part of their World Cup preparations.

The match, which will kick off at 19:30 BST, will take place three days after the Scots host Japan at Hampden.

Clarke's side, who clinched their place at this summer's finals by dramatically topping their qualifying group, will also take on Curacao in Glasgow on 30 May

Scotland open their World Cup group against Haiti in Boston on 14 June, with Morocco and Brazil to follow.

Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finalists the Ivory Coast are also taking part in this year's World Cup.

Emerse Fae's team will play Ecuador, Germany and Curacao at the finals.

"We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I'm sure Cote d'Ivoire will give us a real stern test," said Clarke.

"It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium."