Scotland Men's Football Team

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We asked for your views on Steve Clarke's Scotland squad selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header at home to Greece and Belarus.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: The squad is probably as expected although the over-loyalty from Steve Clarke is going to end up costing us. Grant Hanley was excellent in Denmark so no arguments there but Anthony Ralston, Kenny McLean, Lyndon Dykes and George Hirst should not be there in my opinion. Clarke has picked the squad in his usual stubborn way.

Stuart: Clarke has picked his mates and the old guard, regardless of form. The goalie situation is a concern.

David: If we are starting with Angus Gunn in goals, the back-up need to be playing. Craig Gordon has only seen 30 seconds of playing time. I see no reason why Falkirk's Scott Bain wasn't called up. Age is no barrier and he is bang on form. A very decent option to have on the bench.

Thomas: The continued selection of Ralston is utterly baffling. Our squad is far too static, which will likely make things much easier for the opposition to work us out. It's dull and uninspiring.

Jimbo: For me, Lawrence Shankland should be straight in the team. Recent form is paramount, especially with strikers. Otherwise it's a good squad, although the goalkeeper situation is a concern.

Ally: Where is Scott Bain? He's making tremendous saves week in, week out in the Premiership. Clarke has instead selected players who have played no competitive minutes all season. Baffling.

Stephen: Happy enough with the squad. Max Johnston for Ralston and Shankland for Hirst would be my only changes. Ryan Gauld could bring balance to the team if we start with Ben Gannon-Doak. Hopefully he'll be in the squad in November.

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Steve Clarke is happy to call on the experience of Craig Gordon but the Scotland head coach does have longer-term concerns over his goalkeepers' lack of action.

Gordon, 42, has replaced Hearts team-mate Zander Clark for October's World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus at Hampden despite not playing since early May.

Angus Gunn kept clean sheets as the campaign opened with a draw in Denmark and an away win over Belarus but is yet to debut for Nottingham Forest since his summer move.

The third keeper in the squad, Liam Kelly, has had one outing for Rangers in the League Cup this term.

"I've spoken to the people I need to speak to about Craig, they're telling me he's fully fit," said Clarke. "He's the most experienced in terms of caps that I've got, so it just felt like the right thing to bring him back.

"It's obviously very important that you trust your players and it's important that the players trust me. I think I've got a good relationship with all my players, but Craig in particular."

Cieran Slicker, currently on loan at Barnet, and Ross Doohan, third choice at Celtic, featured in the June friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein.

"I think with the goalkeepers it's probably still a bit of an issue," said Clarke.

"But it's less than three weeks since the last camp, so not such a big issue in the September, October, November camps," he said.

"I think the issue comes between November and March. Obviously in that time there is a transfer window and you never know what's going to happen."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Steve Clarke has been addressing the media after announcing his Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Belarus at Hampden.

Here are the key lines from the Scotland boss:

• The squad selection was "relatively straightforward" after the team took four points from their opening two qualifying matches away to Denmark and Belarus.

• Clarke has recalled Craig Gordon because he is the most experienced goalkeeper at his disposal and it "just felt like the right thing to bring him back to the squad".

• He adds: "None of the frontline goalkeepers are starting for their clubs. I've spoken to the people I need to speak to about Craig. They're telling me that he's fully fit, he's back in training. He'll take part in a behind-closed-doors game today, I believe. So he's fit, he's the most experienced in terms of caps that I've got."

• Six points has to be the target from the two home games. Scotland have laid a "good platform" in the group so far.

• On the omission of Lawrence Shankland - who has scored seven goals for table-topping Hearts this season: "Yes, [he's] always close, and I know what he can bring to the squad. I just felt that the forward players I had in the last camp did well in the camp, did well in the games, and have done well for their clubs in between. So I didn't see too much reason to change."

• Similarly for Oliver Burke - who scored a hat-trick for Union Berlin against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga earlier this month - Clarke says he was pleased to see him playing well but felt others deserve their places.

• The Scotland boss adds: "I think about all these players. People seem to think that because I tend to pick the same players more often than not, I don't look outside, I don't look at other options. I'm always looking at other options, because you never know when you're going to get injuries, suspensions, and when you're going to have to call people into your squad."

• Clarke says Derby's Max Johnston misses out due to the return to fitness of Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston.

Craig Gordon is back in the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header - but there's no place for Hearts team-mate Lawrence Shankland.

The inclusion of 42-year-old goalkeeper Gordon, who last played for Hearts in early May and is working back to full fitness after a neck injury, is the major surprise in the pool picked by Steve Clarke for this month's home games with Greece and Belarus.

What do you make of Clarke's squad selection? Are there any glaring omissions? Share your thoughts here.

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong's thoughts are on Aberdeen, not a Scotland recall at present. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scott McTominay set up Napoli's winner on the night he came 18th in the annual Ballon d'Or awards after Billy Gilmour opened the scoring for the Serie A champions with his first senior club goal.

Meanwhile, Lennon Miller was sent on for his Udinese debut against AC Milan following the teenager's transfer from Motherwell.

That all sounds positive for Scotland head coach Steve Clarke as he turns his thoughts to the crucial World Cup qualifying double-header at home to Greece and Belarus next month.

But look below those headlines and there is a worrying body of under-utilised Scottish talent at club level outside of their homeland.

Most worrying of all, not one of the three goalkeepers in the last squad played for their clubs at the weekend.

Current number one Angus Gunn did not even make the Nottingham Forest bench, with uncapped Jon McCracken of Dundee the only recent call-up to have played for his club.

Aaron Hickey followed up his return at right-back against Belarus from long-term injury with a stunning goal against Aston Villa, but he was an unused substitute in Brentford's 3-1 weekend defeat by Fulham.

Nathan Patterson was again kept on the bench for Everton, but Max Johnston at least started, although his Derby County side lost 1-0 at home to Preston.

As did Ross McCrorie with Bristol City, although he started on the left before being substituted after 71 minutes of their surprise home defeat by Oxford United.

Talking of left-backs, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reckons Kieran Tierney playing his first 90 minutes in a long time, in the Premier Sports Cup win over Partick Thistle, will be "psychologically important" after returning from his latest injury absence.

Josh Doig helped Sassuolo run Internazionale close in Milan before losing 2-1, but Scotland captain Andy Robertson continues to find himself behind summer signing Milos Kerkez and was an unused substitute for Liverpool in their derby win over Everton, as was Greg Taylor for PAOK.

Despite Gilmour's goal, his first start of the season was cut short as he was replaced after 58 minutes as Napoli sought a winning goal against second-bottom visitors Pisa.

Fellow midfielder Lewis Ferguson came on as a substitute in Bologna's win over Genoa, while Andy Irving was again unused on West Ham's bench and Kenny McLean missed out for Norwich City with a minor back injury.

Ryan Christie was also again a Bournemouth substitute, with teenage winger Ben Gannon-Doak unused on the bench in the goalless draw with Newcastle despite being lauded for his recent international performances.

At least there was some cheer at centre-back, with Scott McKenna continuing to be a regular for Dinamo Zagreb as the Croatian top flight leaders beat closest rivals Hajduk Split.

Grant Hanley impressed for Hibernian despite their defeat by Rangers, for whom John Souttar continues to be a stalwart, while Ryan Porteous started Los Angeles' 4-1 win at home to Real Salt Lake.

Jack Hendry played the whole 120 minutes in Al-Ettifaq's penalty shootout win over Al Batin in the King Cup of Champions round of 32 after a 2-2 draw and Dominic Hyam started Wrexham's 3-2 win away to Norwich.

Up front, Lyndon Dykes only played 15 minutes for Birmingham City but scored their stoppage-time winner against Swansea City.

Tommy Conway was substituted after 63 minutes for Middlesbrough, but their 2-1 win over West Brom keeps them top of the Championship, while Che Adams was a half-time substitute in Torino's loss to Atalanta.

Oli McBurnie, though, remember him? He set up John Lundstram for Hull's opener then scored their third in a 3-1 defeat of Southampton, for whom another Scotland outcast, winger Ryan Fraser, set up the visitors' consolation.

Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller, who made his Udinese debut against AC Milan at the weekend, says he chose the Serie A club this summer as they had previously attempted to sign him from Motherwell in January and that convinced him they really wanted him and were not just taking him because he was cheaper than an alternative. (Open Goal), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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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

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Former 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

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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

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

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Once 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.