The time for self pity is over as Scotland look to bounce back from their World Cup heartbreak.
Last week’s 3-1 loss to Ukraine was a sore one as the wait for a first finals appearance since France 98 was extended for at least another four years.
Oleksandr Petrakov won’t lead his nation into the biggest competition in football either though, after going down 1-0 to Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.
Now it’s all eyes on the Nations League as Steve Clarke ’s team kick-off their campaign at home to Armenia.
Joaquin Caparros’ side stunned Ireland with a 1-0 win in Yerevan at the weekend and head to Hampden as League 2 Group B leaders.
The Scots used the tournament to book a play-off spot and qualify for Euro 2020 and will want a similar insurance policy in place ahead of Germany 2024.
The squad were put through their paces at Oriam this morning and here are five things we noticed...
Patterson fit again
Nathan Patterson has confirmed he’s fit to make is Scotland return against Armenia.
The Everton full-back sat out the defeat against Ukraine last week.
Aaron Hickey deputised at right wing back but could prevent the visitors running out 3-1 winners and ending the Qatar 2022 dream for Clarke’s side.
Former Rangers star Patterson has been out for the last two months after suffering an ankle injury.
But he’d found gametime hard to come by at Goodison even when fit, with Frank Lampard repeatedly overlooking him after his big money from Ibrox last January.
But he could make his long-awaited return to action in dark blue at Hampden this week.
Souttar’s all smiles
John Souttar made a goalscoring return to the international scene last November after two years in the wilderness due to injury.
The former Hearts defender headed home his first goal for his country in the 2-0 win over Denmark.
But an ankle injury robbed him of two months worth of action as his Tynecastle career wound down.
Rangers officially announced his signing last week after penning a pre-contract switch to Ibrox in January, but he was forced to watch from the bench last midweek.
Souttar was stripped and due to feature before a touchline rethink from Clarke as Scotland pulled a goal back through Callum McGregor.
Chances are high that he’ll be in from the start against Armenia however after the hosts were cut open repeatedly at the back by Ukraine, with the back three of Scott McTominay, Grant Hanley and Liam Cooper struggling to cope with their opponents’ intelligent movement.
Ross is ready to roll
Lyndon Dykes won’t play after being subbed off at half-time against Ukraine.
The QPR hitman has since left the squad after suffering a quad injury, but Clarke has opted against calling up a replacement.
The decision to start with two up front last Wednesday raised a few eyebrows, and Ryan Christie was deployed in a deeper role behind Che Adams as the front line was tinkered with an a bod to turn things around.
If Clarke is minded to stick with a striking duo against the Armenians, then Stewart could be in line for his first international start.
The former Ross County striker has enjoyed a prolific campaign with Sunderland, firing them to Championship promotion, netting his 26th of the season to clinch a 2-0 play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.
And the in-form striker will be hoping his bow in dark blue comes this week as the Scots go in search of goals.
Changes afoot
Steve Clarke has a busy schedule to negotiate with three games in six days coming up.
Both Armenia clashes come either side of a trip to Dublin to face Ireland and after a long season, fresh legs could be key.
A number of Clarke’s squad have had huge demands placed on them domestically, while others are returning from injury and could do with the game time.
The nature of the display against Ukraine also means the Scotland boss may have to try something different to get the performance he wants.
Kieran Tierney’s continued absence through injury has led to suggestions that a back three isn’t necessary now that he and Robertson’s effective dovetailing has been removed from the national team’s arsenal from the time being.
Man in the mask
Callum McGregor shone for Celtic all season, but he’ll hope his habit of netting Scotland consolations is over.
The midfielder offered hope during Euro 2020 when he fired Scotland level in their final group match against Croatia, only for that game to end in disappointment.
It was a similar story against Ukraine as McGregor fired his country back into the game, albeit with a helping hand from Ukraine keeper Heorhiy Bushchan.
McGregor has become as key to Scotland as he has to the Hoops and will likely continue in midfield against Armenia, and Clarke will be hoping he continues to lead by example, just with the right result this time.
