Liverpool hold a buy-back clause, giving the English champions the ability to re-sign Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak for a set price, after the 19-year-old's £20m sale, plus a further £5m in add-ons, to Bournemouth. (Football Insider), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, PAFormer Scotland winger Pat Nevin feels the national side's World Cup prospects will be decided by the next qualifier at Hampden.
Scotland picked up a creditable four points from six in the opening double header against Denmark and Belarus.
Steve Clarke's side now face Greece at home next month, who pulled off a 3-0 victory earlier this year to demote Scotland to the second tier of the Nations League.
"We were given a lesson by the Greeks on that occasion, so we need to play much better. With a bit of luck, we'll have everyone fit, everyone firing," Nevin told BBC Scotland.
"We've got players that can go and change games, so everyone's hopeful.
"There's four more games to go but if we manage to beat them, we put ourselves in a brilliant position because I would expect us to beat Belarus at home. Then I'll start feeling the excitement.
"We've been here with Scotland many times so we can't get carried away but the team and the manager all seem good at the moment.
"If we get a draw against the Greeks, we're not out of it but it'll be tough and go down to the last seconds of the last game.
"However, if we get a win in that game and play well there, I've got a feeling the Americas are definitely beckoning."
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg
Image source, Getty ImagesKenny McLean was a late substitute against Denmark and Belarus
At 33 years old, Kenny McLean is under no illusions this could be his last crack at reaching a World Cup. And the Scotland midfielder is "desperate" to do so.
Head coach Steve Clarke shows faith in McLean like few others - something the Norwich City player does not take for granted - and he is aiming to continue repaying him for one potentially final push and take Scotland to their first finals since 1998.
"I'm under no illusions that this could be my last campaign," McLean said after Monday's 2-0 win over Belarus in Hungary.
"So I'm desperate, but if it was my first or my last, I would be just as desperate.
"I'm going to try to play my part as much as I can and as much as I'm needed and wanted.
"Obviously the manager always puts a lot of trust in me and I thank him for that and I'll continue to try to be there and be available for him."
McLean, a mainstay in Clarke's squads through his tenure, says there is plenty belief within the camp that they have the ability to qualify for next summer's finals.
"We know that it's a strong group," he added. "We know it's going to be difficult one, but we believe that we've got the squad and the quality that can do it.
"We got the job done by getting a positive result against Denmark and now we have two clean sheets along the way as well, so we are looking really solid.
"It's something to build on, a good start to the campaign, but there's a long way to go."
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg
Ferguson looks ahead to October games
Lewis Ferguson says it "cannot be underestimated how difficult" Scotland's eventually "comfortable" World Cup qualifying win against Belarus was.
The Scots backed up Friday night's goalless draw in Copenhagen against Denmark with a two-goal victory in the behind-closed-doors game in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.
With no fans present, Bologna captain Ferguson said it "felt a bit strange" with team-mates comparing it to games during the Covid pandemic.
"It was a good, professional performance," the midfielder said. "The most important thing was the three points.
"I think we did that quite comfortably in the end with a clean sheet, which is always good. That's the main thing we set out to do.
"It also made Friday night's draw against Denmark better. So, we'll take four points from two tough away games.
"I don't think it can be underestimated how difficult it was. There were no fans and it felt a bit strange.
"There're a difficult team to break down, so we're really happy."
Steve Clarke's side now sit second in Group C behind the Danes, who fired three past Greece on Monday, and it is the Greeks who return to Hampden in just a month's time.
The scars of March's play-off pain are still lingering around the Tartan Army, but Ferguson insists Scotland will be "better prepared" this time.
"We played them away and home, so we've seen what they're all about," he added.
"They are a really good side and it will be a difficult game at Hampden.
"Everyone saw that the last time they came, they turned us over and beat us quite comfortably in the end.
"So we are definitely looking for a different result this time, but we're better prepared and just looking to go and get maximum points.
"If we're going to go to the World Cup, we need to pick up points every game."
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg
Image source, SNSOnce it was "job done" in Zalaegerszeg for Scotland, Lennon Miller's attention had already switched back to his new life at Udinese.
The teenager made the move from Motherwell last month and though he is still working his way back after missing a chunk of pre-season, the midfielder is being kept busy... Becoming an adult.
Whether it's finding flats, cars, or the words to order a coffee, Miller is making moves on and off the pitch in Italy.
"I'm really enjoying it," he said after a late cameo in Scotland's 2-0 win against Belarus in Hungary.
"Obviously I've only been there a few weeks and I'm kind of settling in, so I need to find places, I need to find cars, I need to do all that stuff.
"It takes time but hopefully that gets sorted soon. I've learned a lot on and off the pitch - even living by myself."
Miller is just the latest Scot to settle in Serie A and he highlighted the importance - and weirdness - of having national team players such as Scott McTominay and Che Adams around him.
"I've struck up a good friendship with the Italy-based boys," he added.
"It'll be weird playing against them but it's one I'm really looking forward to.
"I need to catch up with a bit of fitness because I missed a wee bit of pre-season, so need to catch up on that and then hopefully we can kick on."
And the Italian?
"I've not started lessons yet but I want to learn the language, that's one of the reasons I came here.
"You pick up loads in training every day, so I'm getting there and hopefully I can start lesson soon."
We asked for your views on Scotland's 2-0 victory over Belarus to continue their unbteaten start to World Cup qualifying.
Here is what some of you said:
David: The team played great, very professional performance. We still have an issue finding the back of the net, both Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams have had sitters in the last two games and instead of hitting first time they took a touch and lost the opportunity. Gutted Kieron Bowie didn't get on, he deserved it and is a much better natural striker than those two - would partner them well.
Fergus: Solid performance against a turgid team, Max Johnston not for me at right-back, still an issue that Steve Clarke can't seem to solve. Must take six points in next two home games which is definitely possible.
Gary: A good start to campaign but Clarke bringing on Ryan Christie, Dykes and Kenny McLean a sign of over-loyalty that I fear will cost us. Bowie deserved game-time and Lennon Miller more than two minutes. Also, Andy Robertson's distribution and crosses have been very poor. Big improvement needed for Greece.
Euan: The game was fine. Sometimes you get lucky, but you can only play what's in front of you. I'm still unsure about Che Adams. I'm happy with four points. Clarke is at the wheel, promising start.
Alexander: Why Bowie and Miller weren't put on in the second half was baffling as this was an ideal game for them. Scott McTominay was below his best and seemed too casual at times giving the ball away. Opportunity lost to blood young players.
Darren: Sadly Scotland won't kick on under Clarke. Too negative in how he approaches games and then even more negative in-game management. 2-0 up against fairly poor opposition and his first subs are right-back and swapping attacking midfield for defensive midfield. Only giving one youth player any match time and even then it was the 90th minute.
Rab: Done what was needed, so job done.
Bill: Steve Clarke admitted that Belarus filled their team with big guys so why did they keep pumping high crosses into the box? Admittedly that's where the two goals came from but there should have been a bit of variety to the attacks to get us more goals.
Che Adams puts Scotland in front before half-time
Scotland goalscorer Che Adams tells BBC Scotland after the 2-0 win over Belarus: "It was really professional. We knew we had to come here and get three points and we did that.
"Difficult pitch and a hard to break down team, but we did it in the end.
"We missed the fans a lot tonight. That was for them really.
"We know we're good enough [to qualify]. We knew we had to dig deep tonight and we did.
"We know when we're at Hampden with the crowd behind us, we can beat anyone."
Former Scotland forward James McFadden says winger Ben Gannon-Doak "showed real flashes of brilliance" in the national team's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Belarus.
Scotland secured a routine but important victory over Belarus to continue their solid start to World Cup qualifying.
Image source, SNSScotland captain Andy Robertson told BBC Scotland: "Job done. That's the best way to describe it.
"We knew they would try to be a bit more secure and defensive. We just had to be patient and got the goal at the perfect time just before half-time.
"We could have had more, but a job well done.
"When they've changed their shape, it takes a wee bit of time to figure out what's going to work. Once we got through with a great goal, we just wanted to stay professional and thankfully got the second goal.
"The gaffer put [Ben Gannon-Doak] on the left so I could look after him, but he doesn't need much looking after. He wants to take people on and his decision-making was good on the whole.
"We put in some shift on Friday and had to freshen it up. The four that came in were excellent. We need the full squad if we're going to qualify."
Image source, SNSScotland head coach Steve Clarke tells BBC Scotland: "It was a tough night. I expected the reaction Belarus gave. They started big guys and filled the middle of the park.
"We kept prodding, doing what we wanted to do. The message was just to stay patient and we managed to do that.
"It's a good start, a solid start. Four points will never qualify you for anything. It's nice to go home with a smile on your face, but I'm already thinking about next month.
"Billy [Gilmour] and Ben [Gannon-Doak] are two players who excite the public. My job is to pick a team to win the game. Both of them did very well.
"Clean sheets are what we have to build our campaign on."
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg
Image source, SNSJohn McGinn insists it's "important we don't get carried away" as Scotland vie for three points against Belarus to take their World Cup qualification tally to four points in two games.
The Scots kicked off the campaign with an away draw with top seeds Denmark and now face pot for team Belarus in Hungary in a behind-closed-doors game.
Belarusian boss Carlos Alos admitted Steve Clarke's are favourites and expects an "attacking threat" following a defence showing on Friday, but midfielder McGinn is urging those in dark blue to keep their feet on the ground.
"We're excited," the Aston Villa skipper said. "We know how important it is when you're playing against the pot four team to try and get maximum points over two games.
"You need to do that if you've got any hope of qualifying.
"It's a massive game for us but one where we will be fully respecting Belarus.
"They'll be looking to improve on their game the other night where they didn't do so well.
"We need to start the game fast and look after ourselves out there because it'll be a strange experience."
Since Scotland last played games without fans, during Covid-19, McGinn has matured into one of the senior leaders in the side. At 30 years old, he's enjoying help shape the next generation who he hopes will know what it's like to see Scotland competing at the World Cup.
"It's about being respectful, learning, staying humble - that's the qualities of a Scotland player," he added.
"It's important we don't get carried away.
"We know we're a small country fighting against it quite a lot of the time. For us, we need to be humble and be at our best to try and get to the World Cup and that's the message I've been portraying to the lads."
Image source, Getty ImagesScott McTominay was integral to a disciplined display in Denmark that earned Scotland a point in the opening game of World Cup qualifying.
Now Scotland visit Belarus, who will be smarting from a 5-1 defeat in Greece and are expected to deploy a defensive strategy.
McTominay, who has 12 international goals and scored the same number for Napoli last season, could be key in breaking Belarus down, according to former Scotland winger Pat Nevin.
"I don't want McTominay in that deeper midfield role," he told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast. "For that game against Denmark, fine, that's all right, because he'll do that job.
"For this game, I want him further up the field. I want him doing what he does for us and for Napoli.
"Maybe get Billy Gilmour in and move him up?"
Ben-Gannon-Doak appeared as a late substitute in Denmark after head coach Steve Clarke surprised many by choosing two up front; Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams.
The front pair put in a power of work to help frustrate the Danes, so could we see a change against Belarus?
"Ben Gannon-Doak will get minutes," Nevin predicted. "He's an absolute stick-on to start. I think that would be in Steve Clarke's mind before the first game in Denmark - that he would need his pace and creativity.
"Watching Kieron Bowie at Hibs, wow, he's got something. His technical ability is probably quite well suited to international football. It's a big call up front.
"I would not be surprised if it's a much more obvious 4-2-3-1 this time, with McTominay as the one behind the striker and McGinn and Gannon-Doak either side."
