Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin ponders the possibility of squad newcomers Ryan Guald or Bed Doak starting against Poland and whether head coach Steve Clarke could deploy a back four.
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Image source, SNSMichal Probierz's Poland suffered a group-stage exit at Euro 2024 this summer
Poland head coach Michal Probierz is braced for a "hot game" as his side look to bounce back from Euros disappointment by continuing their unbeaten run in Glasgow.
The Poles have never lost to Scotland away from home in five matches, with two wins and three draws, that record stretching back to May 1960 when they won 3-2 in a friendly at Hampden.
Prior to tonight’s Nations League Group A opener, Probierz said: "Let's keep it that way. I've seen some games on the television at Hampden and there's always a very warm atmosphere.
"I'm sure the atmosphere will be similar to in Wales (who Poland beat in a play-off in March to reach Euro 2024).
"It might be another hot game and we need to be prepared and ready for that. We're looking forward to that."
Like Steve Clarke’s side, Poland were knocked out of Euro 2024 at the group stage.
Scotland go into the game with one win in 12, a friendly victory over Gibraltar, but Probierz expects a tough opening test in a top-tier group that also includes Portugal and Croatia.
He said: "Of course it's a disappointment if you're eliminated as one of the first teams from the Euros. Poland and Scotland were eliminated early.
"However, Steve Clarke is a really good coach. He's able to build up the team and I can see that in that team every player is fighting for each other."
Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson, who was not expected to return to action until the turn of the year after the 25-year-old had knee surgery, has been included in Bologna's Champions League squad for the revamped group phase. (Daily Record), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, SNSFormer Scotland winger Eddie Gray unveils the tribute outside Billy Bremner's childhood home in Stirling
Eddie Gray hailed Billy Bremner as "an iconic player that everyone in Leeds and Scotland loved" as he unveiled a plaque at the Stirling boyhood home of his long-time team-mate and friend.
The brainchild of a group of Leeds supporters, the memorial was commissioned in partnership with the Scottish Football Supporters Association, the University of Stirling, and Raploch Community Council.
Gray was present at 35a Weir Street, the house in which Bremner grew up on the Raploch estate in Stirling, to lead the tribute to the former Leeds and Scotland midfielder, who died in December 1997 aged 54.
There is already a statue of Bremner at Elland Road, where he captained Don Revie's team to two First Division titles, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that another will be sculpted by artist Kenny Hunter to be erected in the Raploch area.
Bremner earned 54 Scotland caps and his former international colleagues Jimmy Bone and John Blackley were also present at the plaque unveiling.
"It was real honour to be asked to unveil the blue plaque showing the world where Billy came from," said Leeds ambassador Gray, 76.
"He was fiercely proud of his roots, and it will be a fitting tribute to see a statue here in the coming years."
Image source, SNSJosh Doig, left, and Connor Barron, second left, have stepped up from the U21s to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad
Scot Gemmill says Josh Doig and Connor Barron’s first senior Scotland call-up is a "positive", even though it leaves his Under-21 squad missing eight key players for their crucial Euro 2025 qualification double-header against Spain and Malta.
Sassuolo left-back Doig and Rangers midfielder Barron, both 22, were added to Steve Clarke's group this week, joining fellow U21s Max Johnston, Ben Doak and Tommy Conway, while Ibane Bowat, Lewis Fiorini and Liam Morrison are all absent through injury.
"It's definitely positive, that's why this team exists, to develop young players," said Gemmill.
"It's brilliant for the players and I view it that it shows the players have been doing well, not only for us but at their clubs as well. I definitely see it as a positive.
"It's an unbelievable opportunity for them to be involved, and now they have to go and confirm their talent. We think they've got great potential."
Gemmill's side are second in their group and in contention to qualify for a tournament for the first time since 1996.
Motherwell defender Ewan Wilson, 19, has been added to the squad before Friday's game at Tynecastle with Spain, who beat the Scots 1-0 last year.
"Spain are the top seed in our section and I would say they're probably the top team in the whole competition," Gemmill said.
"It's really exciting and it's brilliant for the players to come up against that level of opposition - it's what they need to help them keep improving."
Image source, SNSSteve Clarke is expecting "a big reaction" from Scotland in their Nations League opener against Poland on Thursday and says his squad has a "nice freshness" about it.
The head coach hinted before the disappointing Euro 2024 finals that this campaign would have a slightly new look to it, but he admits it's a more drastic change now given the number of injuries and call-offs he's had to contend with.
Earlier this week, Clarke lost Che Adams - which he has confirmed was to injury - as well as Celtic pair Greg Taylor and James Forrest and goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.
"I didn’t envisage so many injury issues, so many call-offs but that’s given us a freshness that's maybe more than it would've been had I had everybody fit and available, but it’s still a nice freshness," Clarke said as he looked ahead to hosting Poland at Hampden.
"The young boys that have come into the squad, they've brought that enthusiasm, that breath of fresh air that galvanises and gives the senior players that little bit more life.
"For the players that have been playing at the start of the season for their club, they've got a little bit of freshness about them. For me it’s been a long summer and I look forward to the game to see what we get from the players, which I'm sure will be a big reaction.
"It's been a good couple of days, but we want to make it better."
Thursday's League A opener is Scotland's first outing since defeat to Hungary in Germany ended their hopes of progressing from the group stages for the first time.
And while the target is still "slowly finding a formula to break the glass ceiling" Clarke's full focus is on "evolving" this squad.
"It’s important that we respect the core group who have managed to qualify for back-to-back European tournaments, but within that core group, you have to try and add a little bit more, and hopefully we add something that makes us better," he added.
"It’s not going to happen overnight, it’s not going to happen across the two games we are going to play now.
"But I am looking at this campaign in the Nations League and thinking, ‘This is the chance to try and evolve the group’ so when we do get to the World Cup qualifiers we are in a better shape, ready to go again and ready to qualify for our third tournament out of four.
"It's evolution, not revolution."
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Hampden
Image source, SNSHead coach Steve Clarke has been addressing the media before Scotland's opening Nations League game against Poland on Thursday night.
Here are the key points from his press conference:
Clarke confirmed Che Adams misses out through injury and was informed by Torino of it on Saturday morning. There's "no big drama".
It's been "a long summer" for the Scotland head coach who is "looking forward to seeing what we get from the players" though is sure it will be "a big reaction".
Following his second Euros with Scotland, he stressed the "target is the glass ceiling" in "doing what no Scotland team has ever done" by advancing from the group stages.
Clarke said his squad is about "evolution, not revolution" and it's "important to respect" the core group who qualified for back-to-back Euros.
However, Clarke added he's "looking at this Nations League campaign and thinking 'this is the chance to try and evolve the group'".
The head coach said the young players in this squad have brought "enthusiasm and a breath of fresh air," though in an ideal world he wouldn't have had to dip into the Under-21 pool as much as he has.
Image source, SNSRangers midfielder Connor Barron is in contention for a Scotland debut
Former Scotland international Joelle Murray says call-offs in Steve Clarke's squad are "not ideal" although it "opens the door" for others to impress.
Torino's new signing Che Adams, Celtic pair Greg Taylor and James Forrest and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie have all pulled out of Clarke's squad for the Nations League double-header against Poland on Thursday and Portugal on Sunday.
Though a direct replacement for striker Adams was not named, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has received his first-call up, while left-back Josh Doig and goalkeeper Jon McCracken have also been drafted in.
Murray, who earned 48 caps and was part of the 2019 Women's World Cup squad, is hopeful Barron especially can grasp his opportunity.
"It seems like we're becoming accustomed with [call-offs] now," the former Hibernian defender said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I can't remember the last time a squad was named and we've gone with that squad, whether that's due to call-offs or various other reasons, so it's not ideal.
"Che Adams is certainly a big focal point within the group, but what it does bring is opportunities for Connor Barron, for Josh Doig, for the guys that have been brought in because for someone's disappointment, it opens a door for an opportunity for other players who have been in form, if we're talking about Connor Barron especially."
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Che Adams pulled out of the Scotland squad despite being fully fit as the 28-year-old striker asked to be withdrawn in order to focus on settling into Italian life after his move from Southampton to Torino. (Scottish Sun), external
Oli McBurnie says this summer was the first time in several years that Rangers had not been in touch about possibly signing him, but the 28-year-old Scotland striker would still love to play for the Ibrox club one day despite joining Las Palmas after leaving Sheffield United. (Open Goal), external
Rangers, Hull City and Preston North End were all talking with Heart of Midlothian in the final days of the summer transfer window about Lawrence Shankland but refused to meet the Edinburgh club's asking price in excess of £3m for the 28-year-old Scotland striker. (HITC), external
Los Angeles midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, who held transfer talks with Celtic this summer, missed Poland's first training session this week as they prepare to face Scotland in the Nations League after flight delays meant he joined up with the squad late. (Daily Record), external
Striker Kevin Nisbet, currently on loan to Aberdeen from Millwall, has revealed that he and Scotland team-mate Kieran Tierney, who is sidelined with Arsenal, have helped one another cope with recent injury setbacks. (Daily Record), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, Getty ImagesOli McBurnie impressed in his Las Palmas debut
Scotland's Euros performance 'the biggest disappointment' of Carver's career
John Carver says fellow Scotland assistant coach Alan Irvine will focus on "the attacking side" as the Nations League campaign begins with games against Poland and Portugal this week.
Former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday manager Irvine joined Steve Clarke's backroom team following the Euro 2024 finals, in which the Scots took one point from three games and scored twice.
"He's going to look at, in particular, the attacking side of how we play," Carver said. "Fresh face, fresh ideas, hopefully some fresh players.
"It's something we have to address, for sure, and we know that.
"Do you play with more attacking players? Do you come away from the [back] five? We'll have to wait and see. It is something we've discussed.
"It's finding a way with the players you have available as well, having your best players available, to find a system that suits you to be more attack-minded or offensive."
Carver explained missing out on progress to the round of 16 in Germany was "the biggest disappointment I've had".
"I've lost my job at Newcastle - twice - Leeds, Sheffield United," he said. "Wherever I've been, this was the biggest disappointment because I had so much excitement going into the tournament on what we had with the players and the staff and how we prepared.
"It was devastating. I found it really difficult to recover and, even going on holiday, it was still in my thoughts."
However, he revealed getting back on the training pitch with the players has been "a breath of fresh air" and given him his "spark back".
Image source, SNSScotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong can become "one of the best players" in the MLS after completing a move to Vancouver Whitecaps.
That's the view of Scottish coach and analyst John Walker, who feels the 32-year-old is capable of enjoying the same success as former Dundee United team-mate Ryan Gauld.
Whitecaps captain Gauld has been named in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad following a string of impressive performances in the MLS.
Meanwhile, Armstrong has been omitted from the national team set-up as he was without a club until today after his exit from Southampton in the summer.
Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Walker said: "Gauld is a standout player in the league. Armstrong would go into that team and also be one of the best players.
"And it's because of what he's good at as the league is very technical, it's very athletic. Those are two things Armstrong has in abundance. He's a very good footballer.
"He would walk into that league and be a really impressive footballer. And they would be expecting that as well because they've seen Lewis Morgan, Gauld and even Gary Mackay-Steven to a lesser extent. They were all standout players."
Image source, SNSAfter Euros disappointment, head coach Steve Clarke "needs to adapt" for the upcoming Nations League games, says former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell.
Clarke suffered intense criticism for a dull attacking approach in Germany, but there are suggestions the former Kilmarnock manager is looking to address that with his recent squad picks.
Attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld has been included, as have young forward duo Ben Doak and Tommy Conway, for the double-header against Poland and Portugal.
Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Bell said: "You look at the squad, you need to use the players that are there, you need to use them in positions they are comfortable with as well.
"I think that's key. We've got good players in that squad, we just need to find that right formula.
"I would like to see a 4-3-3, a real attacking style, having a go at teams, because I think we've got so many players in our squad that we can hurt teams, we really can."
Scottish FA performance director Graeme Jones is reportedly in the frame for a role at Hearts. (Daily Record)
Image source, SNSUncapped Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken has been called up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League matches with Poland and Portugal.
The 24-year-old has previously been capped by his country at under-17 level and replaces Kilmarnock's Robby McCrorie, who has a hip injury. Zander Clark and Angus Gunn are the other keepers available to Steve Clarke.
McCracken has played seven times for his club this season, helping the Dark Blues remain unbeaten for the campaign so far.
Scotland host Poland on Thursday and visit Portugal on Sunday.
Image source, SNSScotland assistant John Carver (right) with head coach Steve Clarke
Scotland assistant coach John Carver believes missing out on progressing from the group stage at Euro 2024, which would have been a first for the nation, has to motivate the team in their Nations League campaign.
The Scots face Poland (home) and Portugal (away) over the next week and will also take on Croatia in League A Group 1.
"It's a new start today because there's a new competition starting," said Carver.
"Yeah, you want to win or come second. But our aim is to survive in the group, that's what we have to do."
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld was included in Steve Clarke's squad for the opening double-header, along with Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston and Liverpool forward Ben Doak.
Carver said "every part of the world" was looked at to see "which players could come in and take us forward".
"We've got the preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, that for me starts now, which is why there'll be a few fresh faces in there," the assistant coach explained.
"Scotland were in the doldrums 23 years ago and now we're we've qualified for two back-to-back Euros, we've got into the Nations League Group A.
"There's still a huge gap to close. We'll try as long as we can to keep improving that and make progress."
Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSScotland assistant coach John Carver has been speaking to the media as the national team prepare to face Poland in the Nations League on Thursday.
Here are the key points:
Carver says people forget Scottish football was in the doldrums for decades so a bit of realism is required following the nation's dismal Euros campaign.
He insists this is a new start in a new campaign and it's important the side learn lessons from the summer.
He doesn't think Scotland need to win back the Tartan Army support despite the disappointment in Germany.
In terms of the squad, Carver points out they have only had eight players training, the others are due to arrive on Monday and Tuesday.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock's Robby McCrorie is set to withdraw from Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Poland and Portugal with a hip injury.
McCrorie, 26, was an unused substitute for Derek McInnes' side's 1-1 draw against Hibs on Sunday, with the Kilmarnock boss reluctant to risk his goalkeeper.
"He's not been able to kick as yet but we needed him on the bench," McInnes said.
"He's not fully fit, so I would imagine that's going to cause us to probably pull him out of the squad.
"If he could kick the ball and be fully competent with that side of it, then we don’t want to be pulling him out of the squad.
"But he's not there yet. He's still probably about five or six days away from being able to do that without any discomfort.
"His training's been limited. He's just been handling and he's not been doing any kicking. Until that settles, then we can't put him at risk."
Image source, SNSStephen McGinn insists Steve Clarke needs to plan for a Scotland side without Kieran Tierney.
The Arsenal left-back was injured in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland at Euro 2024, the latest in a spate of lay-offs.
With Clarke having adapted his formation to fit in both Tierney and fellow left-back Andy Robertson, McGinn suggested there may be time for a change in the Scotland camp.
"We need to adapt, we need to plan long-term without Kieran Tierney," McGinn said. "When you design a formation to fit in two left-backs, if you're not going to have one of the left-backs, you need to plan moving forward as maybe a back four.
"It's a real shame but he misses a lot of games.
"You don't have to change your manager to have a freshness. I think we need to introduce pace into the team."
