Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has long made it a priority to build a core group of players who consistently earn caps for their country, and on Sunday, three key men will reach significant milestones as Scotland welcome Greece to Hampden Park for a crucial UEFA Nations League play-off second leg.
John McGinn, Scott McTominay, and Kenny McLean are all set to hit major landmarks in their international careers.
McGinn will earn his 75th cap, McTominay - who scored the winning goal during the first leg in Greece - will reach his 60th, and McLean will mark his 50th appearance in a Scotland jersey.
Clarke, who took over as head coach in May 2019, has often emphasised the importance of having a strong, consistent group of players who regularly feature for the national team.
Ahead of the return fixture against Greece, he explained why the trio’s milestones are significant in the context of the broader strategy he’s put in place.
“That was one of the things that I set out quite early in my rein as head coach – to get a core group of players who would be capped,” Clarke said.
“I mentioned it before the game the other day, Greece away is a difficult place to go. Not many teams go there and win, and I pointed out that the reason why we give them cap after cap after cap is so when they go into those difficult games, they understand what they have to do.
"Those three, and just three of many, have a number of caps now.”
The milestones reflect the ongoing evolution of the Scotland squad under Clarke’s stewardship.
His approach has been about building familiarity and experience, ensuring that key players can handle the challenges of tough international fixtures, particularly in high-stakes matches like the upcoming clash with Greece.
As McGinn, McTominay, and McLean prepare to hit these career-defining numbers, the trio will undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience to the pitch, playing a pivotal role as Scotland aim to secure their place among Europe's best in the Nations League.
