Scotland start their Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign towards Cyprus at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Spain are the guests to the nationwide stadium subsequent Tuesday night time with Norway and Georgia additionally within the part.
Here, the PA information company appears on the principal speaking factors forward of the Group A opener in Glasgow.
Clarke’s new deal presents well timed increase
Scotland introduced on Friday that Clarke had agreed a deal to increase his time as boss till 2026.
The information broke simply earlier than his media convention at Hampden Park forward of the opening Euro 2024 qualifying double-header towards Cyprus and Spain on the nationwide stadium.
The 59-year-old new deal will run till after the 2026 World Cup marketing campaign and he definitely has credit score within the financial institution.
The former Reading, West Brom and Kilmarnock supervisor guided Scotland to promotion to Nations League Group A after taking his nation to Euro 2020 – the boys’s nationwide workforce’s first finals qualification in additional than 20 years. However, after shedding out in a play-off to get to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, expectations might be excessive for this marketing campaign.
Which debutant might be in purpose?
Scotland’s primary keeper Craig Gordon is recovering from a double leg break which leaves Clarke with a dilemma.
The Scotland boss has to decide on between three uncapped keepers, Gordon’s substitute at Tynecastle, Zander Clark, Motherwell primary Liam Kelly and Angus Gunn, son of former Scotland shot-stopper Bryan Gunn.
The Canaries keeper got here by way of the under-age teams with England till under-21 stage and has spoken about how proud he might be to listen to the nationwide anthem at Hampden Park.
However, Clarke was maintaining his playing cards near his chest on Friday afternoon, saying that in spite of everything three males had carried out effectively in coaching and he had but to decide.
History on Scotland’s aspect
On the face of it, the go to of backside seeds Cyprus to Hampden Park presents Scotland the possibility of a fast begin to their marketing campaign.
Temur Ketsbaia’s aspect are ranked a hundred and tenth on this planet, whereas the hosts are forty fifth, and the Scots have gained all seven conferences for the reason that first conflict in 1968.
However, within the final assembly at Hampden Park in June, 2019 – in Clarke’s first recreation as nationwide workforce boss – it took a last-gasp strike from Oliver Burke to present Scotland victory.
The final 4 conferences have ended 2-1 to the Scots who will little doubt need to work exhausting to get the three factors earlier than the go to of Spain subsequent Tuesday night time.
Landmark look for McGregor
Celtic captain Callum McGregor will earn his fiftieth cap if, as anticipated, he’s chosen to play towards Cyprus.
McGregor has been a mainstay of the Hoops and Scotland midfield for a number of seasons however there’s growing expertise beside him.
John McGinn, prime scorer with 15 objectives, has 52 caps, Kenny McLean has made 28 appearances, Scott McTominay 37 and Stuart Armstrong 40, whereas Billy Gilmour (16) and Ryan Jack (14) are not any rookies.
Since taking on 4 years in the past Clarke has appeared ahead to the day when his squad is filled with expertise and the midfield pack has definitely acquired that.
