Scotland reporter notebook: Can Steve Clarke and co finally end the nation's World Cup exile?

Right here we go once more, the age-old query for each Scotland fan: is that this the time we finish our exile from the largest event soccer has to supply?

World Cup qualifying is about to start, and really rapidly will we uncover if Scotland will probably be heading to North America subsequent 12 months given the truncated nature of the qualification course of.

Denmark, Belarus and Greece stand between the nationwide staff and their first World Cup since France ’98. Six video games in three months on this quickfire group.

The final time I coated Scotland was at Euro 2024. After doing so effectively in qualifying, the staff simply did not carry out on the event regardless of the good help and all of the optimism pre-Euros.

I recall standing on the staff resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen because the squad had been leaving, questioning the place they might go from right here.

Not overlaying Scotland allowed me to revert again to attending as a fan with my Dad, and taking a look at issues in a distinct mild from a distinct seat.

The Euros hangover noticed Scotland lose their first three Nations League top-tier video games regardless of being aggressive in every. I used to be in Croatia for the Matchday three, after which you started to ask if we’d win once more.

A late VAR examine denied us a attract Zagreb. It was laborious to remain optimistic, however the addition of Ben Gannon-Doak to the squad, a change in system (partly as a result of availability) and the type of Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay had the Tartan Military nonetheless believing.

A goalless draw towards Portugal at Hampden Park, which noticed then 41-year outdated Craig Gordon hold out Cristiano Ronaldo, proved Scotland may compete. Wins over Croatia and Poland gave the staff an opportunity of staying in League A, if they might beat Greece over two legs in March.

It seemed as if we may do this after successful the primary leg in Athens that confirmed resilience, grit and a little bit of luck to take a lead again to Glasgow. The return leg was a trigger for concern. We had been utterly outplayed by an thrilling Greek staff shedding 3-0, leading to relegation to League B.

One other concern after that recreation at Hampden Park was the truth that Greece are in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying group. We have now had a glimpse of how powerful will probably be. Scotland definitely had been unfortunate with the draw as Greece and Belarus had been most likely the hardest groups that might come out of their respective pots.

You need to by no means write off Steve Clarke and his staff. He has certified for 2 European Championships and bought Scotland into the highest tier of the Nations League. We have now had bumps within the highway and he has at all times managed to bounce again.

His contract ends after the World Cup. By that time, he could have taken cost of extra Scotland video games than anybody else. He completely deserves the possibility of taking Scotland to the World Cup.

Some could not agree with that, however I believe he is aware of how worldwide soccer works. He has an skilled squad with a sprinkling of youthful gamers however be in little doubt, they must rediscover the type of Euro 2024 qualifying which noticed them win their opening 5 video games to have one foot within the finals earlier than the enterprise finish of the part.

They inflicted Spain’s solely defeat in the entire Euro 2024 marketing campaign. Some will say that was peak Scotland below Steve Clarke.

He does have points. The friendlies in June introduced up extra questions than solutions. The defeat at house to Iceland didn’t do a lot for confidence and perception. The largest problem to return from that match was the goalkeeping scenario.

Craig Gordon was reintroduced through the Nations League marketing campaign and his performances confirmed there’s nonetheless life within the now 42-year outdated at worldwide stage, however it was by no means going to be a long-term repair and an harm means he’s not within the squad.

Angus Gunn was injured early within the Iceland recreation and changed by Kieran Slicker. Having watched the Ipswich goalkeeper carry out effectively for the Beneath-21s, it was disappointing to see that he had a recreation to neglect.

Gunn is again within the squad and now with Nottingham Forest, however not enjoying. Zander Clark has began the season as Hearts’ No 1 whereas Liam Kelly has solely featured for Rangers within the League Cup.

Early in his tenure, Clarke switched to a few on the again which has served Scotland effectively however seemed aged through the Iceland recreation.

He deployed a again 4 within the Nations League, helped by Gannon Doak’s introduction additional ahead, is one thing he will probably be critically contemplating for this marketing campaign. With Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney amongst our high performers earlier in his reign, Clarke discovered a approach to have them each within the staff. That problem isn’t as urgent now. He will probably be extra keen to choose one or the opposite if he opts for a again 4.

Not solely Gannon Doak has burst onto the scene however Hibernian’s Kieron Bowie. Blighted by a hamstring harm final season, he solely made his Scotland senior debut within the pleasant win over Liechtenstein in June. His efficiency for the Beneath-21s within the final marketing campaign and Hibernian’s Europa League matches this season have proven the standard and potential he has. His purpose at Easter Highway towards Partizan Belgrade is among the greatest I’ve witnessed stay in a stadium.

I discussed McTominay, the Serie A winner goes from strength-to-strength with Napoli, aided by his team-mate and fellow countrymen Billy Gilmour. The actual fact Scotland have 5 gamers within the squad enjoying in Italy’s high flight reveals the standard we have now.

McTominay, like John McGinn in earlier campaigns, is the place Scotland will search for inspiration and objectives.

Scotland completed second to Denmark within the final World Cup qualifying marketing campaign though they did beat them 2-0 at Hampden Park again in 2021. There’s a feeling that Scotland will want 4 factors from a possible six within the opening two video games to face an opportunity.

This is likely to be the final likelihood for among the extra skilled members of the squad to succeed in a World Cup. For Steve Clarke, it appears like his remaining marketing campaign regardless. Hopefully we will rediscover our type and show among the doubters flawed.

Begin as you imply to go on Scotland.

Scotland squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Zander Clark (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers).

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Blackburn Rovers), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese).

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Kieron Bowie (Hibernian), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham), George Hirst (Ipswich).