Steve Clarke says Scotland will make the World Cup in 2026, but will we make it?
KEITH JACKSON: Fingers crossed. It’s easy to stick the boot into Clarke after last week’s no show against Ukraine but let’s not forget how far this team has come under his management. Despite not making it to Qatar, he’s got us in a good place.
CRAIG SWAN: Clarke has shown he can get Scotland to a Euros and the upcoming Nations League matches are vitally important to keep a second door to qualification open.
FRASER WILSON: Clarke’s making demands of his team and I like that. There is no doubt the quality in the group is good enough to get to Germany but so much depends on imponderables like the qualifying draw and avoiding injuries to key players. Get lucky with those two and we should have a great chance.
SCOTT BURNS: There is no doubt this team can make it. They showed by getting to Euro 2020. It will come down to producing big results when it matters and they will need to learn from the pain of the Ukraine game.
How will Scotland fare against Armenia and Ireland?
KEITH: Two wins will be required to get everything back on track. There is no reason why Clarke won’t get them.
CRAIG: Six points out of six. Scotland will be too good for Armenia on home soil and the Irish are toiling badly.
FRASER: It’s time to bury the anger and pain of last week and go and grab two victories. Nothing less. Neither will be a pushover and Armenia’s defeat of Ireland on Saturday is all the warning we need for Wednesday. But if our big players produce a big performance then Scotland should be off to a flier.
SCOTT: I think both will be difficult and a lot will depend on the physical and mental state of the Scotland players. If there is a positive reaction then I am sure they can win both.
Would you start Ross Stewart in the absence of Lyndon Dykes?
KEITH: He’ll certainly get some game time but may have to wait his turn from the bench. With a win needed Clarke may opt to start with Ryan Christie playing behind Che Adams.
CRAIG: Maybe off the bench. Che Adams with a No.10 type such as Ryan Christie just off him may be a better bet.
FRASER: I’d have been looking to start Stewart even if Dykes was fit. The big man is flying high in performance and confidence and brings pace, power and a serious goal threat. He’s more than worth a start.
SCOTT: I definitely would love to see him win his first cap. He is a man bang in form and scoring goals. He is full of confidence and I can see him playing some part, although we also have Jacob Brown and I think it will be Che Adams and Ryan Christie who will start.
How will Scott Brown and Paul Hartley fare down south?
KEITH: Hopefully they’ll smash it. But there is a big element of risk attached to going into England at such a low level. Should they struggle to make any noticeable impact then they might find themselves dropping off the managerial map.
CRAIG: Brown is going straight into it and has an ambitious club to do well. Hartley has proven his talents at Cove. Both can shine brightly and exceed expectations.
FRASER: It’s a tough baptism for Scott Brown. League One is such a competitive division with some big, big clubs and Fleetwood only survived by the skin of their teeth. I hope I’m wrong but I can see that being a struggle. Hartley’s experience should see him do okay at Hartlepool. He’s still young but has been in the dug out a long time now and with the right recruitment could have Pool pushing for a play-off spot.
SCOTT: They are both difficult jobs. They are also at clubs who don’t tend to look very long-term with their managers. Hartley has the experience while it will be a bit harder for Brown in his first managerial job. I suspect they will both need good starts.
