With the season almost done both north and south of the border, attention is firmly focussed on transfers and who might be playing where this season.
It may be just as busy in the cinch, but the real big money is exchanged down south and a few Scottish stars could be set for pastures new despite playing for some mammoth clubs. From Steve Clarke’s point of view, he’ll hope his big names playing in the English Premier League will stay at a high level as he plots our route to Germany 2024.
But more importantly, he needs his boys playing regularly so he can justify picking them and they continue to do the business in dark blue after an impressive start to the latest qualifying campaign. A crunch clash with Erling Haaland’s Norway looms next month, and a positive result in Oslo could see Scotland take a massive step towards automatic qualification ahead of our Scandinavian sort-of-neighbours.
But it comes bang in the middle of silly season and minds will understandably be on club fixtures as well as international commitments. At least two of our main men are facing an uncertain summer, while others could be poised for moves that advance their careers and help them kick on a level. Record Sport looks at the foursome who face an interesting few weeks.
Kieran Tierney
The former Celtic star’s exit from Arsenal has been mooted for months now. Tierney finds himself behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s Emirates pecking order and doesn't seem content to accept his status as such. Newcastle have been heavily linked with the left back.
Beanpole local lad Dan Burn has been an effective makeshift option, but a natural is on Eddie Howe’s wanted list, With the Mags on the verge of Champions League group stage qualification and the St james’ Park squad only set to get stronger, it will surely be a tempting option for Tierney, who would also move far closer to home in the process.
Scott McTominay
Tierney’s international teammate is facing a similar problem at Manchester United. Erik ten hag seems keen to go in a different direction, although McTominay’s recent from for Scotland has given the Dutchman some food for thought. However, with an Old Trafford rebuild on the cards, he’s one likely to be sacrificed to create space in what is a bloated and expensive squad.
He could end up joining forces with Tierney in the North East, with Newcastle also mentioned frequently in relation to McTominay’s next destination. A January attempt was reportedly rebuffed, but their interest is likely to be rekindled soon. Jose Mourinho remains a huge admirer after managing the Scot in Manchester, but Roma would be unable to compete with the Toon’s financial muscle.
Lewis Ferguson
Like Aaron Hickey before him, Ferguson has hit the ground running in Italy after last summer’s switch from Scotland. The ex-Aberdeen midfielder has netted 5 goals for Bologna and has been attracting attention from further up the Serie A food chain. Juventus and AC Milan have been mentioned, while suitors in England could try and prise him away from Rossoblu.
However, Ferguson is onto a good thing with his current club and another successful season there wouldn't do him any harm, and could see the level of club watching him rise significantly, not to mention further enhance his standing within the Scotland squad.
Calvin Ramsay
It’s been a season of debuts for the former Aberdeen starlet. Ramsay made his Liverpool bow in a League Cup clash against Derby County and was also handed a maiden Champions League appearance by Jurgen Klopp against Napoli. Injuries at right back meant Steve Clarke called up for a friendly in Turkey, where he pulled on his country’s jersey for the first time.
Now though, he needs regular game time to keep himself in contention and kick on. A loan move seems almost certain, and while Aberdeen would no doubt love to bring him back to Pittodrie, Liverpool may see a switch elsewhere in England or abroad as more beneficial to the player and them.
READ NEXT:
