Scotland Play off Final Squad

[Billy Whizz]

Griffiths back in, but no place for McGinn or Hanlon

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54798016

[The 90+2]

Delighted Griffiths is back. Shame on Paul who’s done nothing wrong.

[jeffers]

From a purely selfish point of view I’m glad none of them have been selected, thought how Paterson has been called up again ahead of Nisbet is a puzzler.

[Billy Whizz]

From a purely selfish point of view I’m glad none of them have been selected, thought how Paterson has been called up again ahead of Nisbet is a puzzler.

Means we have a decent squad to play Dundee, apart from Rocky, Porteous and Mcgennis

[jeffers]

Means we have a decent squad to play Dundee, apart from Rocky, Porteous and Mcgennis

Yes, was exactly what I was thinking.

[Spike Mandela]

From a purely selfish point of view I’m glad none of them have been selected, thought how Paterson has been called up again ahead of Nisbet is a puzzler.

It will be down to experience I imagine. Nisbet’s time will come.

[hibee-boys]

What on earth does he see in Oliver Burke🙈

[The 90+2]

What on earth does he see in Oliver Burke🙈

A Premiership footballer?

[Gloucester Hibs]

Gallagher and Considine probably deserve to start against Serbia based on their performances in the last round of fixtures. Wonder if Clark will go five at the back to enable both Robertson and Tierney to start? Guessing we'll be looking to counter attack the Serbs so Fraser will likely start as he is rapid. Dykes hasn't let us down at all so he probably gets the nod up front with Griffiths a good option to have from the bench.

[The 90+2]

Gallagher and Considine probably deserve to start against Serbia based on their performances in the last round of fixtures. Wonder if Clark will go five at the back to enable both Robertson and Tierney to start? Guessing we'll be looking to counter attack the Serbs so Fraser will likely start as he is rapid. Dykes hasn't let us down at all so he probably gets the nod up front with Griffiths a good option to have from the bench.

We need to play Cooper.

[Brightside]

Hanley in. Hanlon out. :rolleyes:

[Gloucester Hibs]

We need to play Cooper.

Wouldn't be against that tbh but would likely be at the expense of Considine who played so well in those 1-0 wins over Slovakia and the Czechs. As long as McKenna doesn't come back in..

[hibee-boys]

A Premiership footballer?

I assumed it would be based on the quality of the player not the league his team is in. From what I’ve seen of him at club and international level I’d rather have Chris Burke!

[B.H.F.C]

We need to play Cooper.

It’s a big call for Clarke.

Does he choose a team based on reputation or based on the players who did very well last month.

Cooper hasn’t ever really done anything for Scotland. I know he’s captain of Leeds but they’re not exactly defensively sound.

[Billy Whizz]

It’s a big call for Clarke.

Does he choose a team based on reputation or based on the players who did very well last month.

Cooper hasn’t ever really done anything for Scotland. I know he’s captain of Leeds but they’re not exactly defensively sound.

It’s a squad for 3 games, I’m sure a few of them will get a run out

[Mikey_1875]

Really hope this one goes well for us. Normally don’t care too much for the national team but think the country could do with a lift!

Would definitely be tempted to start with the same side that beat Israel but imagine Tierney will come in for Considine which is unlucky for him. Griff gives us a much improved option coming off the bench as well as Christie being back in the fold.

[JXM73]

No hibs players, no interest...

[B.H.F.C]

It’s a squad for 3 games, I’m sure a few of them will get a run out

Aye of course but the first one is the big one, obviously. That’s where the big decisions are for Clarke.

[darwenhibby]

Hanley in. Hanlon out. :rolleyes:

Maybe it was a slip of the keyboard and Scotland are stuck with it!
Any way would be great if Scotland can qualify

[erin go bragh]

Maybe it was a slip of the keyboard and Scotland are stuck with it!
Any way would be great if Scotland can qualify

Two slips 😉😀Would be brilliant if we did qualify.
Nisbet can’t be far away from a call up

[Spike Mandela]

Maybe it was a slip of the keyboard and Scotland are stuck with it!
Any way would be great if Scotland can qualify

Hanlon misses out because of autocorrect.:greengrin

[calumhibee1]

Shankland ahead of Nisbet...

Only excuse there would be if Nisbet is just getting a bit of time to himself after the last week.

[neil7908]

Shankland ahead of Nisbet...

Only excuse there would be if Nisbet is just getting a bit of time to himself after the last week.

Agreed. Understand why Nisbet might not feature given what he's been through but on ability alone there should be no doubt about who is in the squad.

[Magpie]

Clarke needs players with a strong mentality for this game.

[h1bs4life]

Unlucky for them but from a selfish point of view it means they are available for the Betfred Cup.
No point them being in the squad to sit on the bench and maybe get 10 mins .

[Speedy]

I assumed it would be based on the quality of the player not the league his team is in. From what I’ve seen of him at club and international level I’d rather have Chris Burke!

I'd rather have Kathy Burke.

Oli is murder.

[Speedy]

Hanley in. Hanlon out. :rolleyes:

Different side of the pitch. It's more Hanley in for Porteous, Tierney/McKenna in for Hanlon.

Cooper & Considine also competing with Hanlon for a place.

[CMurdoch]

Decent looking squad other than Patterson.
Nothing to do with his Hearts connection.
Just looked like a big clumsy oaf when he came on in the last 2 games.

Biggest miss is Forrest. Not bothered by the absence of Fleck.

Hopefully they can all avoid any Covid issues. As we have seen one guy gets it and the kicker is a load more have to isolate

Of the Hibs players only Hanlon would have been worth a place in the squad.
Young Nisbet has more than enough on his plate at the moment. He needs to be near his family.
His time will come.

[one day maybe...]

So any thoughts on the line-up, if every one is fit from the squad.

My formation would be 5 - 3 - 1 - 1 with McTominey holding and Fraser playing a free role just behind Dykes

Marshall

Tierney
Cooper
McTominey
Gallagher
Robertson

McGregor
Christie
McGinn

Fraser

Dykes

[CMurdoch]

So any thoughts on the line-up, if every one is fit from the squad.

My formation would be 5 - 3 - 1 - 1 with McTominey holding and Fraser playing a free role just behind Dykes

Marshall

Tierney
Cooper
McTominey
Gallagher
Robertson

McGregor
Christie
McGinn

Fraser

Dykes

That looks about as good as we could muster. Fingers crossed it gets to the start line.

[Since452]

Gordon should be starting

[JimBHibees]

Gordon should be starting

Disagree Marshall has done really well and wouldn't deserve to be dropped. Gordon was pretty poor in some of his latter games England being an example plus the away game to Slovenia.

[bod]

Marshall doesn’t deserve to be dropped.Gordon does for his desisions against ingerlund

[EI255]

Really, really difficult to get excited about Scotland. I'd rather see Hibs do better than worry about Scotland.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[Fergus52]

Gallagher and Considine probably deserve to start against Serbia based on their performances in the last round of fixtures. Wonder if Clark will go five at the back to enable both Robertson and Tierney to start? Guessing we'll be looking to counter attack the Serbs so Fraser will likely start as he is rapid. Dykes hasn't let us down at all so he probably gets the nod up front with Griffiths a good option to have from the bench.

Tierney will play left centre back in the 3 ahead of Considine and rightly so.

Maybe a bit harsh but it's Scotland's biggest game in 20 years, the best players need to play. Clarke needs to be ruthless.

[SteveHFC]

Fraser out of the squad next week due to injury. Shame we need him.

[davhibby]

Fraser out of the squad next week due to injury. Shame we need him.

Hopefully Sparky can come in and replace him, think he should be able to offer a similar threat

[1875Sean]

Glowing Fraser is a big blow, nobody else in the squad with his pace

[TheHarpy76]

Gordon is technically better than Marshall.

Marshall has done nothing to deserve to be dropped though.

[The 90+2]

Gordon is technically better than Marshall.

Marshall has done nothing to deserve to be dropped though.

No he’s not. Marshall is well better.

[California-Hibs]

Ryan Fraser being injured is a massive blow for us. This is our biggest game in a long long time. If you're not interested in the National team then why feel the need to simply come on here and only add that. Some of us are very much interested in the national team!

Still think we have a team more than capable, although Serbia are a good team. I'm excited for this one with our good recent form!

[California-Hibs]

No he’s not. Marshall is well better.

Craig Gordon is an utterly fantastic keeper and one of, if not thee, best Scottish keepers we've had for years. Marshall has done well recently, but I'd still go with Gordon. Some of his saves in recent weeks are up there with the best of best, even if he is a Jambo and we'd be in the Cup Final if it wasn't for him.

[TheHarpy76]

No he’s not. Marshall is well better.

Are you saying that because you believe it. Or because Gordon is a Hearts player?

As I said. I don’t think Marshall has done anything to be dropped and he should start against Serbia.
Technically though, Gordon is a better keeper.

[Hulk1875]

Glowing Fraser is a big blow, nobody else in the squad with his pace

Yeah exciting player with his pace

[Hulk1875]

I’m 32 and can only mind Scotland in World Cup 98 I was 10 surely about time I see us in tournament again, one off game against good team but having no fans there will help us you never know

[Hulk1875]

Are you saying that because you believe it. Or because Gordon is a Hearts player?

As I said. I don’t think Marshall has done anything to be dropped and he should start against Serbia.
Technically though, Gordon is a better keeper.

Gordon a his age brillant great signing for hearts I’d stick with Marshall as done nothing wrong but Gordon could step up if needed

[TheHarpy76]

We’ve got a chance:
We might not be pretty to watch. But Clarke has made us bloody hard to beat.

[TheHarpy76]

Gordon a his age brillant great signing for hearts I’d stick with Marshall as done nothing wrong but Gordon could step up if needed

I completely agree. Marshall has done nothing to deserve being dropped and should keep his place.
It’ll do him the world of good knowing that an on form keeper is snapping at his heels.

[The dalmeny]

I completely agree. Marshall has done nothing to deserve being dropped and should keep his place.
It’ll do him the world of good knowing that an on form keeper is snapping at his heels.

spot on, worked for the shirt

[1875Sean]

See Sky are making the game free to watch on sky pick for those that don’t have sky sports

[Gmack7]

I'd like to see Mctominay McGinn Armstrong and christie as the 4 in midfield

[Dmas]

Yeah exciting player with his pace

Has anyone been called up to replace Fraser yet? I can’t think of anyone that could come in now in the same position, maybe the guy Wright at aberdeen not quite sure he’s ready for international be another squad filling exercise

[hibbysam]

I'd like to see Mctominay McGinn Armstrong and christie as the 4 in midfield

Unfortunately it doesn’t matter how well McTominay plays for United in midfield, he’ll be kept at centre half for Scotland because 1) he’s been decent there, 2) we don’t have anyone else to play there, and 3) it helps Clarke keep the likes of McGregor in the team.

McTominay Mcginn and Armstrong should be our three, the three players playing at the top of their game, in their right positions. Christie would be on the bench as he’s not a centre forward. If McTominay does have to play centre half then it should be Jack that plays deep in midfield, again his natural position and one he’s been performing at a very high level at for both Scotland and rangers.

[Tyler Durden]

I'd like to see Mctominay McGinn Armstrong and christie as the 4 in midfield

McTominay will stay in the back 3. Tierney in for Considine.

I think the only doubt is whether Christie or Armstrong replace Fraser.

[Gmack7]

McTominay will stay in the back 3. Tierney in for Considine.

I think the only doubt is whether Christie or Armstrong replace Fraser.

I think McKenna is back playing so wouldn't be surprised to see him back in with Tierney and Gallagher as the 3 CBs. Which would allow Mctominay to play centre midfield

[Tyler Durden]

I think McKenna is back playing so wouldn't be surprised to see him back in with Tierney and Gallagher as the 3 CBs. Which would allow Mctominay to play centre midfield

Could be that he goes with McKenna to help combat Mitrovic. But he does seem set on Jack, McGregor and McGinn as the central 3.

[B.H.F.C]

Could be that he goes with McKenna to help combat Mitrovic. But he does seem set on Jack, McGregor and McGinn as the central 3.

Think Armstrong will play, but a bit further forward. Agree he’s set on that midfield three and they’ll play. Would have Armstrong in the middle of the park ahead of McGregor all day long.

[danhibees1875]

Gordon
Cooper McKenna Gallagher
Tierney..... Mctominay ..... Robertson
McGinn McGregor
Dykes Griffiths

Maybe Armstrong for Griffiths and flood the midfield but with a reasonable number of midfielders able to get up and support Dykes.
Caveat: I don't know much about the Scotland set up. :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

Could be that he goes with McKenna to help combat Mitrovic. But he does seem set on Jack, McGregor and McGinn as the central 3.

I think that will be the central 3 and probably fair enough. Tierney will come in left CBC in a 3 and other decision will be whether Gallagher keeps his place or Cooper comes in not sure if McKenna will start. Personally would keep Gallagher in with Mctominay and tierney. Think Christie might play off dykes to replace Fraser. A lot of options and hopefully we get through, Serbia are good but imo lack of fans will help us over there. Nick first goal and they might implode as temperament isn't the best imo.

[Gmack7]

Marshall
.... Gallagher McKenna Tierney.......
O'Donnell....,,,,,...............Robertson
.............. Mctominay..................
..... Armstrong ....... McGinn ....... .................Dykes

[JimBHibees]

Marshall
.... Gallagher McKenna Tierney.......
O'Donnell....,,,,,...............Robertson
.............. Mctominay..................
..... Armstrong ....... McGinn ....... .................Dykes

No chance if only playing 10 players. :greengrin

[danhibees1875]

No chance if only playing 10 players. :greengrin

9, Dykes is still in the changing rooms there. :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

9, Dykes is still in the changing rooms there. :greengrin

:greengrin or selling pies at the side of the pitch.

[Gmack7]

No chance if only playing 10 players. :greengrin

Oops
I had Christie in behind Dykes ( still a bit early)
541 formation

[Daniel 1875]

Clarke won’t shift from the 3-5-2 which returned three good results last time. Also can’t see him moving away from McTominay at the back which would give us something like:

Marshall

McTominay
Gallagher
Tierney

O’Donnell/Palmer
Jack
McGinn
McGregor/Armstrong
Robertson

Christie
Dykes

I’d like to see Armstrong in from the start ahead of McGregor who I feel is very rarely as good as he is for Celtic when he wears a Scotland shirt. O’Donnell doesn't deserve to be dropped after decent performances in the last three games - he’s not the most technically able footballer but he seems to fit into what Clarke is looking for.

Fraser would have started so I think Christie comes in to play a similar role, with Griffiths on the bench to make an impact.

[The 90+2]

You have to play Armstrong who is arguably the form player in the Premiership at the moment - in the same position he plays for Southampton.

[B.H.F.C]

You have to play Armstrong who is arguably the form player in the Premiership at the moment - in the same position he plays for Southampton.

Was just about to post exactly that. He’s in brilliant form just now.

[The 90+2]

Was just about to post exactly that. He’s in brilliant form just now.

100%. If he’s left out then it can never be claimed players are picked on form (when they are playing well for the old firm and pressured into playing).

[1875Sean]

I think he will go with

Marshall

McTominay
McKenna
Tierney

Palmer
Jack
McGinn
McGregor
Robertson

Christie
Dykes


I hope he goes with

Marshall

McTominay
Cooper
Tierney

Palmer
Christie
McGinn
McGregor
Robertson

Griffihs
Dykes

[The Modfather]

100%. If he’s left out then it can never be claimed players are picked on form (when they are playing well for the old firm and pressured into playing).

I like Armstrong and would like to see him in the team. However if Clarke was to keep faith with the team that has seen a mini revival the last few games I’d not use Armstrong as a stick to beat him with.

[JimBHibees]

You have to play Armstrong who is arguably the form player in the Premiership at the moment - in the same position he plays for Southampton.

Not sure can't remember ever playing that well for Scotland his main contribution was in not seeing out a win v England. Don't think he deserves to play in a team that has done well recently and midfield is an area of strength. Useful option from the bench

[Col2]

Looks like Serbia have some quarantine constraints.

https://twitter.com/timomouse/status/1325495876727558145?s=21

[Gmack7]

Looks like Serbia have some quarantine constraints.

https://twitter.com/timomouse/status/1325495876727558145?s=21

This would be big bonus for us. Unlucky for the serbs but thems the breaks

[Billy Whizz]

This would be big bonus for us. Unlucky for the serbs but thems the breaks

It would, but remember we lost 3 of our own players before the Israel game

[Gmack7]

It would, but remember we lost 3 of our own players before the Israel game
Yip i appreciate that. I just feel we'll need to be good and lucky on Thursday to get the right result. If these procedures weaken the serb team then so be it. We'll need all the help we can get

[CMurdoch]

Looks like Serbia have some quarantine constraints.

https://twitter.com/timomouse/status/1325495876727558145?s=21

Update on this - According to local media, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was already in Serbia by the time Italy announced this so looks like he will be available to face Scotland.

[Robbo6-2]

He was playing for Lazio today vs Juvey

[CMurdoch]

He was playing for Lazio today vs Juvey

Nice one. He is the main guy 6'4" and useful at both ends of the pitch.
That's what I get for quoting from Richard Wilson's twitter account.
I shouldn't have believed it!

[Moulin Yarns]

I see sky have made Thursday's game free to view. Any idea if it's possible to get it on freeview or freesat?

[Sir David Gray]

I see sky have made Thursday's game free to view. Any idea if it's possible to get it on freeview or freesat?

It will be on Pick which is available on Freeview.

[The 90+2]

I see sky have made Thursday's game free to view. Any idea if it's possible to get it on freeview or freesat?

Yeah it’s on freeview.

[The 90+2]

Not sure can't remember ever playing that well for Scotland his main contribution was in not seeing out a win v England. Don't think he deserves to play in a team that has done well recently and midfield is an area of strength. Useful option from the bench

I’ve not seen Messi have his best games for Argentina every single football tournament but I’m sure the players around him want to play with the best footballer playing at the highest level of their group
Armstrong is ripping it, was Celtics best player. You don’t play Armstrong or Tierney if you don’t play Armstrong?

[JimBHibees]

I’ve not seen Messi have his best games for Argentina every single football tournament but I’m sure the players around him want to play with the best footballer playing at the highest level of their group
Armstrong is ripping it, was Celtics best player. You don’t play Armstrong or Tierney if you don’t play Armstrong?

You are comparing Stuart Armstrong to Messi. :greengrin Agree he is a good player however we have a lot of good players in midfield

[Moulin Yarns]

It will be on Pick which is available on Freeview.

I live in an area with limited freeview channels, I can’t get sky arts for example.

[Sir David Gray]

I live in an area with limited freeview channels, I can’t get sky arts for example.

Ah right sorry not too sure then.

[The 90+2]

You are comparing Stuart Armstrong to Messi. :greengrin Agree he is a good player however we have a lot of good players in midfield

A posher (not a miss-spell, honest) Messi, aye :greengrin

[EH6 Hibby]

I live in an area with limited freeview channels, I can’t get sky arts for example.

Sky Pick is freeview channel 11.

[Frazerbob]

I live in an area with limited freeview channels, I can’t get sky arts for example.

It’ll be on YouTube

[Moulin Yarns]

Sky Pick is freeview channel 11.

Sky arts is supposed to be on channel 11 on freeview, Where I live there is no channel 11, or 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, need I go on? What do people not understand about only getting 43 channels and NONE of the premium channels?

[Mr Grieves]

Sky Pick is freeview channel 11.

Freeview channel 35 on my TV.

[Mr Grieves]

Sky arts is supposed to be on channel 11 on freeview, Where I live there is no channel 11, or 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, need I go on? What do people not understand about only getting 43 channels and NONE of the premium channels?

It's also on sky one which is available on Now TV. You can get a free 7 day trial so you could stream it through your laptop, tablet, smart TV,

[oneone73]

Sky arts is supposed to be on channel 11 on freeview, Where I live there is no channel 11, or 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, need I go on? What do people not understand about only getting 43 channels and NONE of the premium channels?

Some Freeview channels have moved in the last week. Try a full retune of your set? You might get Pick on Channel 35 if you're lucky.
Out of interest, is your Freesat any better?

[Moulin Yarns]

Some Freeview channels have moved in the last week. Try a full retune of your set? You might get Pick on Channel 35 if you're lucky.
Out of interest, is your Freesat any better?

Freesat has loads more channels. I am limited by the channels on freeview because of the transmitter I'm on.

[oneone73]

Freesat has loads more channels. I am limited by the channels on freeview because of the transmitter I'm on.

Sorry, I thought you said earlier you had Freesat. My bad.