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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Scotland team predicted for Poland clash as Steve Clarke faces old reliables or new faces conundrum

The March internationals are here as Scotland take on Poland at Hampden Park tonight before facing either Austria or Wales away on Tuesday.

Steve Clarke's men were due to face Ukraine in a crucial World Cup qualifier semi-final but that's been put on hold until at least June as a result of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

This will be the first game in charge of Poland for manager Czesław Michniewicz, who has succeeded Paulo Sousa.

His appointment raised a few eyebrows and Scotland should be confident of victory at Hampden, a stadium they have tasted defeat at just once since September 2019.

Record Sport takes a look at who could line up for the dark blue against Robert Lewandowski and Co.

Clarke has handed first call-up's to Sunderland Striker Ross Stewart, Hearts defender Craig Halkett and Bologna's teenage sensation Aaron Hickey with these two friendly match set to prove stern preparation ahead of six potential competitive clashes in June.

Craig Gordon is expected to start in goals as he eyes breaking into the top 10 all time appearances chart for the national team.

With John Souttar, Scott McKenna and Liam Cooper missing from the Scotland squad because of injury, Scott McTominay may line up in one of the central defensive positions if Clarke opts to go with his favoured 5-3 2 formation.

Grant Hanley missed the World Cup qualifying wins over Moldova and Denmark in October through injury but had become a regular first pick prior to that. While Halkett may look to fill a vacancy at the back in captain Andy Robertson's absence with Kieran Tierney likely to move to a left-back role.

Nathan Patterson's lack of action since his big money move to Everton has been well documented. However Clarke hinted that a wing-back cameo might be on the cards by saying the call-up was "an opportunity to get some minutes into his legs".

Scotland are spoiled for options in midfield but the trio probably picks itself depending on how much the former Kilmarnock boss decides to rotate.

Callum McGregor has been arguably Celtic's best player this season and would be partnered alongside Premier League stars John McGinn and Billy Gilmour.

Che Adams should continue to lead the line, despite the goals drying up at club level, having gone six matches without finding the back of the net.

Lyndon Dykes has been ruled out with injury which paves way for Ryan Christie to give the attacking support to the Southampton man.

Potential Scotland XI : Gordon, Tierney, Hendry, McTominay, Hanley, Patterson, Gilmour, McGregor, McGinn, Christie, Adams.

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