You are Scotland boss Clarke… here's your team talks

Nations League: Croatia v Scotland

Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb Date: Saturday, 12 October Time: 17:00 BST

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland and follow live updates on the BBC Sport website & app

Being the Scotland head coach cannot be all that much fun right now.

Mired in a run of one win in 14 games, without more than a full team's worth of experienced performers, his side are facing two of Europe's toughest teams in the space of four days in a Nations League campaign that has already started badly.

But, if you were given the chance to be Steve Clarke and take charge for the daunting trip to Croatia on Saturday, what would your approach be?

You can select your XI, map out your tactics and deliver the pre-match team talk below...

Choose your XI and your formation?

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn is injured.

So are right-backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson. And three starting central defenders in the shape of Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna and Kieran Tierney.

Second-choice left-back Greg Taylor is hobbled too.

Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong will be at home instead of in the Scotland midfield.

And strikers Tommy Conway and Lawrence Shankland are absent too.

It leaves the squad looking alarmingly undermanned, but can you eke a coherent XI out of the players who are left behind?

How would you approach the game?

Clarke's default is to be defensive, although there has been a little bit more intent to their attacking play in the opening two Nations League defeats.

Regardless, Scotland have started with two defeats, so would you change the approach? Chose your preferred style of play below...

What would your team talk be?

You've chosen your line-up. Your style of play has been decided. Now it's all down to the players.

Before they go out on to the pitch, you've got a few moments left to deliver one last message.

Is there a particular instruction you need to focus on? Or is it time to deliver a final rallying call?

Send us your pre-match team talk here

Here's what some of you budding Mike Bassetts or (more likely) Gordon McLeod/Robert Duvalls have suggested already:

Steve: Don’t worry if we lose - losing is learning how to win. Win strong, be proud, be smart, be humble, be ready to fight for each other. The way we win defines our destiny and our future. Be happy to be the best version of yourself and make it count.

Raymond: Tight at the back, defend in numbers. Push and probe from midfield. Shoot on sight.

Tommy: The pressure is all on the opposition. We have the ability to keep a clean sheet and nick a goal or two at the other end. So concentrate, work hard for each other, keep a positive attitude and, most importantly, stick together on and off the ball. Do that and we'll get something from this game.

Paul: Keep it tight in defence, hit them on the counter attack and trust that we have the better of them from set-pieces. With that tactic, we can win 2-0. Unfortunately for Croatia, they are a team past their best and we will beat them!

Wilson: We haven't had the best time so far, but every team has their ups and downs and their flaws and we haven't tweaked ours yet. Every team has their prime. So this is the plan. Don't play too defensive, but when we have to defend, everyone needs to help. Track back or even put a toe in, that can put players off. We will try our best and we shall pull some Scotland magic.

Ollie: Croatia are a very physical side, so expect muscle battles all over the pitch. Adams and Dykes have the physicality to hold off the defence. Tactically, Dykes will hold the ball up and pass, while Adams will make runs behind. Scott [McTominay] will bring his great form. Our midfield is a very creative and attack-minded player combo, which will be needed, but it is important that they are prepared for physicality, and remember to support the defence.

Scott: Get out of your own heads. Stop overthinking things when on the ball. You are good players. You've reached two major finals, play for the biggest clubs and in the biggest leagues in Europe. Make sure you properly defend set-pieces. Do not get caught up in jersey pulling. Make sure to utilise our own set-pieces as well. When closing down players, you must close the spaces too. Moreover, when you have the ball, pass it forward. Be brave on the ball. Let Billy Gilmour and Ryan Gauld dictate the play. It’s up to the strikers, other midfielders or full-backs to provide options and width. Now let's win and win well. Good outing and show what a good team you actually are.

Steve: Right lads - let’s win this one. If you’re unsure how to go about it, all you have to do is score one more goal than them.

Ian: Nothing to lose. As things stand, we are heading out, so go out and express yourself without being reckless. Out of position, press quickly and keep it tight, but when we have possession, break and be creative.

Stuart: Boys, it's time to shut the critics and the pundits up. We have a great opportunity to really earn three points. No-one expects us to get anything out of this game. Let's show them what we are made of - passion, strength, resilience, die-hard running through the wall for each other. Defensively, let's get in their faces from our 60% line of confrontation. Meet them at this line with all we have. Discipline, relentless energy to get after them. Give them no time or space to play through us. Look to break quickly with speed and commitment. Be courageous on the counter - run for each other. Get a glimpse of goal, be brave and stick it away! Boys, when we walk off the field, be proud of yourself and our performance. Play with your hearts and your minds and your country will never forget this night!

Spot a Braveheart-style winning rant there? A nation hopes Clarke gets his right on Saturday night as his side go for their shot at glory.