Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he had no reservations about turning to Josh Doig and Declan Gallagher to fill out his squad after injuries. And he also admits the country owe a lot to John McGinn after he came up trumps once again with the opener against Ukraine.
The nation is buzzing after the comprehensive 3-0 trouncing over Ukraine and the national team can secure a Euro 2024 playoff with positive results in their final two Nations League games against ROI and the return with Oleksandr Petrakov's side. And Clarke wants his players to build upon the stirring display that had Hampden rocking.
Speaking of the clash with Ireland, the Scotland boss, who called up Gallagher and Doig to replace injured Nathan Patterson and David Turnbull, said: "I know Declan from when he was in the squad before. He's got experience - don't forget he was part of the Euro 2020 squad and he had a fantastic match away in Serbia against Mitrovic so he's got the qualities we might need over the next two games.
"Josh is the captain of the Under-21s, he did very well at Hibs. He's obviously in a position where we have good quality players but I just felt this was a chance to bring him up and show him there is a pathway and give him a chance to be around the squad."
It had been a frustrating start to the season for McGinn who is yet to score for Aston Villa. But he utilised his famous rear-end to shrug off a Ukraine defender and fire home the opener at Hampden and he now has 14 goals for his country as he gets set to earn his 50th cap tomorrow.
Clarke said: "You've just got to look at his contributions, his goalscoring record, his assists. He can play in different midfield positions, he brings his own bubbly, bright personality into the group. He's a key member of the squad on and off the pitch.
"He enjoys it when I push him further forward and he gets the chance to make those goals and assists. It works well for us.
"I'm indebted to John for a lot of the good wins that we've had because he's managed to get the goals and the assists. Hopefully he can go and keep it going and get to 100 caps with a few more goals and assists along the way."
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