Steve Clarke has explained why he's given Scotland starlet Ben Doak another start against Poland this evening despite his previous comments indicating otherwise. Plus the reasoning for changing up the rest of his forward line.
The Scotland national team boss has selected the XI he hopes can defeat the Poles and avoid dropping down to Section B in the UEFA Nations League, with the chance of even finishing second in Group A1 not off the table yet either.
Doak was named man of the match after playing a starring role against Croatia at Hampden Park last time out.
But Clarke had suggested he would try manage the Liverpool starlet's minutes prior to this must-win fixture.
The sheer thought that Scotland's most creative player would be left out sent shockwaves throughout the Tartan Army on Sunday night.
However, the 19-year-old starts in Warsaw. The Scotland boss has made two changes with Lyndon Dykes and John McGinn replacing Tommy Conway and Ryan Christie.
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Explaining his team selection ahead of kick-off, Clarke said: "It's just a bit of freshness up top. We ask a lot of the front players, especially the striker. So, just a little bit of freshness in the team."
Asked what he wants to see Scotland do better in this final Nations League encounter, the Scotland head coach replied: "Probably a little bit more composure on the ball. We felt that although Croatia were good in the first half, we encouraged them by giving the ball away too many times. So, hopefully a stronger performance with the ball and obviously the same resolution and organisation in defence."
Captain Andy Robertson goes joint-third with Darren Fletcher in the all-time cap rankings by making his 80th appearance for Scotland this evening.
And Clarke was keen to highlight the special milestone.
"It's great," he commented. "Hopefully we can put on a performance and get a result that makes it an extra special night for Andy.
"He's done fantastic for me since I came into the job. I've always spoke how well he does for the national team and how important he is, and how he's grown into the role as captain. It's a great landmark and I'm sure he's got many more caps to come."
