Image source, SNS

Not only is that Kenny McLean's first goal in a Scotland shirt but it's also a wonderful way to kick off his debut in a competitive match for Scotland.

We're two minutes in and it's still 0-0, so we'll chalk that up as a good start for the Scots.

The surface at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle looks fantastic so that should suit a Scotland side that will be hoping to crack open this stubborn, San Marino side.

Image source, SNS

Scotland assistant manager Peter Grant told Sportsound: "It's been a great week apart from the result. The preparation and work has been excellent, obviously the performance in Kazakhstan was the big downside. We have to put that right today.

"When you think of Kazakhstan, people think of Borat. But we knew they were good players and we had to play well, which unfortunately didn't happen.

"Alex McLeish has been very disappointed. Nobody likes criticism. If someone comes into your work and starts battering you all the time it's not very nice."

And we're underway at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle!

San Marino in their traditional light blue kit and Scotland in yellow and dark blue.

Image source, SNS

As the teams walk on to the pitch in San Marino Alex McLeish's face is shown on the large stadium screen, only to then be greeted by boos by some of the travelling Scotland fans. Will they change their tune after a few goals? We'll see.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on Sportsound

Image source, Brian McLauchlin

Our man Brian McLauchlin is in place and has been watching Scotland getting limbered up for today's exertions.

Image source, SNS

Andy Robertson missed Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan after recovering from dental surgery, but the Liverpool defender was on hand to offer some sage advice ahead of today's vital clash.

"All the lads are devastated but some probably need an arm around them a wee bit more," the Liverpool left-back said.

"It's all about trying to lift them back up, because one game doesn't define your Scotland career. It was a very young team and the good thing is they have time to put it right, but they can't dwell on it.

"Obviously I was back in Scotland so I know the fallout from it and how people reacted and you can't question their reaction. It's the right way to react after a result like that.

"We need time to get their trust back. A good performance isn't enough to come close to making this week a success but we have nine games to make it right."

Image source, BBC Sport

At the end of the day results are all that matter in these high-pressure, international games. However, when we look at how many goals Scotland have scored and conceded under each manager since 2002 we can see a rather worrying trend.

Scotland are currently averaging just 1.09 goals per game in McLeish's second stint in charge. Not only is that considerably less than the average during his previous spell - 1.44 - but it is also the third lowest return since Scotland last reached a major tournament.

Similarly, our nation's defensive record under McLeish has shot up to 1.64 conceded goals per game. This is not only considerably worse than the 1.1 goals per game conceded under Gordon Strachan, but also surpasses the rather abject performances under Craig Levein, George Burley and Berti Vogts.

Image source, SNS

Callum Paterson doesn't have a single goal to his name for the senior Scotland team. Nor does Johnny Russell. So who can McLeish lean on for goals today?

The Scotland manager will undoubtedly be hoping a number of his players step up to the mark, but Ryan Fraser may be the most likely source of goals or assists if his form is anything to go on.

Image source, SNS

There are no easy games in international football, according to the age-old saying. However, our man in San Marino, Liam McLeod, suggests today's opponents may be the closest thing to an exception to that rule.

In his preview to today's clash, Liam notes that the hosts have only ever won one game of football, concede an average of 4.32 goals per game, are represented mainly by amateur players and haven't avoided defeat since a 0-0 draw with Estonia in 2014.

Could Scotland ask for an easier opponent to get themselves back on track?

Image source, BBC Sport

Scotland haven't kicked a ball in San Marino just yet, but there has already been movement in their qualifying group after a game that took place earlier in the day.

Russia, who are widely considered Scotland's main challengers for the second-place qualifying spot, dispatched of Kazakhstan with little concern, with a comfortable 4-0 win on the very plastic pitch that caused McLeish's side so many problems on Thursday afternoon. Cyprus host Belgium later in the day, with kick off at 19:45.

As such, it means Scotland are currently fifth in the table and in desperate need of points on the table.

Image source, SNS

Scotland have been to San Marino before - three times in fact.

On each occasion, they registered 2-0 victories and, in the most recent of them, under Craig Brown, they left the Scotland fans sweating until breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute through Matt Elliott.

That was with a stronger Scotland side than the one McLeish has cobbled together for this opening double-header.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on Sportsound

Image source, BBC Sport

Alex McLeish has decided to make a number of key changes to his starting XI after the 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan.

In defence, Stephen O'Donnell is once again back in at right back in place of Liam Palmer. Scott McKenna and David Bates remain in the central positions, while captain Andy Robertson returns on the left.

Kenny McLean has been brought in for John McGinn, making his debut in a competitive game for Scotland. He'll most likely sit alongside Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor in the middle of the pitch.

McLeish has decided to wipe the slate clean up front, with Johnny Russell and Ryan Fraser on either wing and Scotland jack of all trades, Callum Paterson, expected to lead the line.

Hello and welcome to the live text for today's clash between San Marino and Scotland.

The Tartan Army have braved the sun-kissed land of Serravalle for a match that shouldn't prove too difficult for Alex McLeish and his men.

However, the Scotland national team never do anything the easy way and all but a convincing win at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle could see storm clouds forming no the horizon for McLeish and his squad.

Simply put, Scotland need all three points and even more goals if they want to rest easy tonight.